July 16, 2010

Hartford, CT  - Peter Noel aged 49, 45 North Ridge Dr., Middlebury, CT turned himself in to Middlebury Police 15-Jul-2010 on a warrant for his arrest. Connecticut Department of Agriculture, State Animal Control Officers obtained the arrest warrant after an investigation into alleged Animal Cruelty occurring at the Gentle Jungle pet store owned by Noel, located in the Westfield Shopping Plaza in Meriden.

The warrant alleges that Noel failed to provide proper veterinary care for an injured puppy. Also cited in the warrant, Noel did not follow regulations which require quarantining of dogs and cats prior to offering them for sale. Pet shops must observe the quarantine period during which they are to observe the animals for disease and have them checked by a veterinarian prior to sale.

In the warrant State Animal Control Officers state that a puppy had become injured after falling from its cage. The puppy subsequently was seen by the store’s veterinarian but Noel failed to follow-up with the veterinarian’s recommendations. A store employee took it upon themselves to bring the puppy to veterinarian. It was learned that in addition to the injury the puppy was infected with Canine Parvovirus. The puppy died, apparently from its injury and the Parvovirus virus infection.

During the investigation it was learned that Noel may have had numerous animals die because they did not receive veterinary care or received veterinary care too late. The warrant alleges Noel was administering drugs to sick animals without consulting with a veterinarian.

Commissioner of Agriculture F. Philip Prelli stated “We have pet shop regulations in place to prevent these types of circumstances.  Mr. Noel should have complied with the regulations and provide proper veterinary care.”

Noel was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to be arraigned on July 23 in Meriden Superior Court.

http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?Q=463248&A=1401