Kennel Owner in Bethlehem Arrested For Alleged Animal Cruelty

A kennel owner in Bethlehem has been arrested for Animal Cruelty following an investigation by the Connecticut State Police, Bethlehem's Resident Trooper, and Bethlehem's Animal Control Officer.

According to the Connecticut State Police, Bethlehem's Animal Control Officer contacted Bethlehem's Resident Trooper on July 12, 2024 after receiving complaints alleging animal neglect at 'Home Away From Home' Kennel on Crane Hollow Road. According to the 12 page, redacted arrest warrant, the investigating officers received complaints alleging their dogs had been subjected to unsanitary conditions, neglect, and suspected that their dogs had picked up illness and diseases during their stay.

One complainant alleged that they had picked up their dog on July 10, 2024 and found it to be sick, covered in feces/urine, was bleeding from several wounds, and was running a high temperature. Another complainant alleges that they left their Irish Wolfhound foster at Home Away From Home Kennel on June 20 for a week while vacationing, and returned a week later to find that the dog was covered in urine/feces, had lost 21 pounds, running a fever, and had several skin infections that had caused weeping, infected wounds. A veterinarian determined that the wounds to the Wolfhound were likely caused by poor hygiene conditions and lack of proper bedding materials.

Jennifer Ornelli, 47, turned herself in at Troop L in Litchfield last night, September 3, at 7:28PM. Ornelli was placed under arrest and has been charged with Cruelty to Animals. Ornelli has been released after posting a $10,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear in Torrington Superior Court on September 18.