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VVSA Humane Society incorporated in 1986. In 36 years, thanks to thousands of Vermonters who have helped or been helped in many different ways, together we truly have made a difference on behalf of animals. We are a 501(c)3 organization that is supported only by our fundraising efforts and donations. Please consider making a contribution to our cause.
RECENTLY CRUELTY CASES INVESTIGATED AND WHAT YOU CAN DO.
REPORT IT... YOU ARE THE VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS!
A house in Williamstown, Orange County, VT is inhabited by two people that are animal hoarders. Animal hoarding is a mental illness, whose victims are animals, living in life threatening conditions, all equally threatening. One of which is the urine turned into deadly ammonium which permeates the air. Cats have been intentionally bred, resulting in heart murmurs, respiratory complications leading to death, and lack of "adequate" food, water, sanitation, shelter, medical attention, and subjected to torture and torment. Dogs are confined to cages too small for their size and rarely let out. They circle constantly, barking. The last two of four goats died under the care of the Animal Control Officer, who serves other surrounding towns.
Our humane society was asked twice for animal food and water. The well was out of service for weeks. Goats alone need one - three gallons of water a day. They claimed to have no money to provide for the animals. Specific requirements for animals are cited in VSA Title 13, Chapter 8, the Welfare of Animals Statute, and charges for these critical requirements providing the basic care. They failed to provide any of them, having signed an Agreement they would if our humane society would help them. That Agreement was broken.
As one veterinarian stated before neutering and vaccinating, these cats, "reek" from their confinement. Two were too sick with respiratory conditions (that affected me as well) and died. At least two had heart murmurs that were intentionally bred and effected their offspring, discovered by another veterinarian. One kitten was so infected by flea bites that resulting from a rash she developed turned into blistering hives. The medicine we bought was never opened, however, the reason for the hives developing was blamed on the medicine. Despite flea medication was purchased for use, I witnessed two full bottles.
Sheriff George Contois, well aware of this situation, refused/refuses to enter the house for fear "he might be contaminated and bring something back to his five cats." (Masks can be purchased to protect from toxins.) Part of State Attorney Colin Seamans' role is to oversee the Sheriff who is responsible for investigating crimes, especially when lives are in danger. The lack of responsibility is shared by both officials. Contois refusing his duty, and failure of due diligence by Seaman directing Contis to inspect, is legitimate cause for removal from their positions. George Contois comes up for re-election later this year. Seaman is appointed. One can find other situations by Googling where those charged with upholding VT law have failed and have been removed from office.
Both officials received a detailed Affidavit from me, a Humane Officer with 40 years' experience, through VT Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society, Inc. (VVSA) Included were photos of young cats stacked in cages, some multiple, in a darkened room, and others confined to a room where a urine-soaked couch hid four cats, dirty litter and feces covered the floor, a single litter box serving approximately 16 cats was all there was with very little litter. Many other photos were submitted for various violations per the Stature. One can imagine what these animals experience daily, as you read this. The situation, first reported in Oct. 2025 continues today. Our non profit humane society has spent well over $8,000.
There is no reason for failure to inspect, charging for animal neglect and abuse, with a certified officer, including a condition no other animals will be in whatever residence to which they move.
This situation needs to be exposed and addressed, for the sake of animals that depend on people to be their advocate.
Thank you for your voice.
Sue Skaskiw
VT Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society
802-952-8181
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By Mail:
VVSA Humane Society PO Box 100 Bridgewater, Vermont 05034 |
By Phone:
802-951-8181 |
By Email:
[email protected] |