VVSA works to protect the welfare of animals through investigation of cruelty and complaints of neglect. We work with law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Our tax dollars support these agencies and part of their responsibility under the law is to investigate concerns and complaints involving animals; do not be told otherwise. While animals have no voice, you do and should speak up when you witness animal neglect or abuse.
Complaints can be anonymous and directed to your local humane society, sheriff, or police. If you need help locating a local resource, please contact VVSA by email [email protected] or phone at (802) 952 8181. All correspondence with VVSA can be confidential.
An abuser does not stop to count the legs of its victims. Bullies generally start with the weakest and often use abuse of animals to intimidate others in the home, especially children.
Current animal cruelty situation VVSA is working on ~
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. One of which is the urine turned into deadly ammonium that permeates the air in a closed room. 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 offered help to spay and neuter to stop the cycle. We were asked twice for animal food and water. They claimed to have no money to provide for the animals. The well was out of service for the months we were in communication. Goats need one - three gallons of water a day. Specific requirements for animals are cited in VSA Title 13, Chapter 8, the Welfare of Animals Statute, and the charges for these critical requirements providing the basic care. They failed to provide any of them, having signed an Agreement they would do so 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, effected their offspring, discovered by another veterinarian. One kitten was so infected by flea bites that resulted from a rash she developed that turned into blistering hives. The medicine we bought was never opened, however, the reason for the hives developing was blamed on the medicine. Despite the household flea medication we purchased for use, I witnessed the 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 Orange County 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. These are legitimate causes 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. These names should be added.
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 that must be accompanied by an Agent from Fish & Wildlife, State Trooper or Certified Humane Officer. Included should be a condition that 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.
Complaints can be anonymous and directed to your local humane society, sheriff, or police. If you need help locating a local resource, please contact VVSA by email [email protected] or phone at (802) 952 8181. All correspondence with VVSA can be confidential.
An abuser does not stop to count the legs of its victims. Bullies generally start with the weakest and often use abuse of animals to intimidate others in the home, especially children.
Current animal cruelty situation VVSA is working on ~
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. One of which is the urine turned into deadly ammonium that permeates the air in a closed room. 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 offered help to spay and neuter to stop the cycle. We were asked twice for animal food and water. They claimed to have no money to provide for the animals. The well was out of service for the months we were in communication. Goats need one - three gallons of water a day. Specific requirements for animals are cited in VSA Title 13, Chapter 8, the Welfare of Animals Statute, and the charges for these critical requirements providing the basic care. They failed to provide any of them, having signed an Agreement they would do so 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, effected their offspring, discovered by another veterinarian. One kitten was so infected by flea bites that resulted from a rash she developed that turned into blistering hives. The medicine we bought was never opened, however, the reason for the hives developing was blamed on the medicine. Despite the household flea medication we purchased for use, I witnessed the 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 Orange County 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. These are legitimate causes 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. These names should be added.
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 that must be accompanied by an Agent from Fish & Wildlife, State Trooper or Certified Humane Officer. Included should be a condition that 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.
TITLE 13 V.S.A. § 351 CHAPTER 8 Defines "adequate" as animals having food, potable water, shelter, sanitation, medical attention, free from torture and torment.
1 litter box for 16 cats to use
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Floor indicative of entire room
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Multiple cats stacked in dark room
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Blistering Hives from Untreated Flea Rash
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Vomit outside of spinning dogs cage
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Video of dog circling (spinning) constantly in cage with inadequate space. Example of torture and torment
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Only source of water available to animals in closed room with toxic ammonium fumes
Animal Hoarding, A Mental Illness, Torture, & Torment
Cat hoarding is considered a mental illness, often linked to hoarding disorder, depression, and anxiety. Individuals who hoard animals are typically unable to provide adequate care, yet deny this inability due to a strong emotional attachment and a sense of responsibility for the animals. The behavior is frequently accompanied by social isolation and can stem from trauma or other mental health conditions, according to Animal Humane Society, Psychology Today.
People with hoarding disorder have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions due to a perceived need to save the items. Attempts to part with possessions create considerable distress and lead to decisions to save them. The resulting clutter disrupts the ability to use living spaces (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Animal hoarding is defined in DSM-5-TR as the accumulation of a large number of animals and a failure to provide minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation and veterinary care and to act on the deteriorating condition of the animals (including disease, starvation or death) and the environment (e.g., severe overcrowding, extremely unsanitary conditions).
About the Experts:
Carolyn Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Director, Stanford Hoarding Disorders Research Program
Stanford University School of Medicine
Member, Scientific & Clinical Advisory Board, The International OCD Foundation
Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Stanford University School of Medicine and a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs. As the Director of the Stanford OCD Research Lab and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Rodriguez leads studies investigating the brain basis of severe mental disorders.
Randy O. Frost, Ph.D.
Harold and Elsa Siipola Israel Professor Emeritus of Psychology
Smith College
Member, Scientific & Clinical Advisory Board, The International OCD Foundation
DR. Randy Frost is a professor of psychology at Smith College and an internationally known expert on obsessive-compulsive disorder and compulsive hoarding, as well as the pathology of perfectionism.
The Silent Hazards of Cat Urine in Homes: Why Calling a Biohazard Company is Crucial
Cat urine contains several compounds that can be hazardous to human and animal health. Among them are ammonia, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When left untreated, these substances can lead to a variety of issues, including:
People with hoarding disorder have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions due to a perceived need to save the items. Attempts to part with possessions create considerable distress and lead to decisions to save them. The resulting clutter disrupts the ability to use living spaces (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Animal hoarding is defined in DSM-5-TR as the accumulation of a large number of animals and a failure to provide minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation and veterinary care and to act on the deteriorating condition of the animals (including disease, starvation or death) and the environment (e.g., severe overcrowding, extremely unsanitary conditions).
About the Experts:
Carolyn Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Director, Stanford Hoarding Disorders Research Program
Stanford University School of Medicine
Member, Scientific & Clinical Advisory Board, The International OCD Foundation
Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Stanford University School of Medicine and a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs. As the Director of the Stanford OCD Research Lab and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Rodriguez leads studies investigating the brain basis of severe mental disorders.
Randy O. Frost, Ph.D.
Harold and Elsa Siipola Israel Professor Emeritus of Psychology
Smith College
Member, Scientific & Clinical Advisory Board, The International OCD Foundation
DR. Randy Frost is a professor of psychology at Smith College and an internationally known expert on obsessive-compulsive disorder and compulsive hoarding, as well as the pathology of perfectionism.
The Silent Hazards of Cat Urine in Homes: Why Calling a Biohazard Company is Crucial
Cat urine contains several compounds that can be hazardous to human and animal health. Among them are ammonia, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When left untreated, these substances can lead to a variety of issues, including:
- Respiratory Problems: The strong odor of cat urine is a result of ammonia, a potent irritant to the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure can trigger or exacerbate conditions like asthma and bronchitis, leading to breathing difficulties and chronic coughing.
- Allergic Reactions: Cat urine contains proteins that can induce allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Symptoms may include sneezing, watery eyes, skin rashes, and hives. (ONE OF THESE CATS HAVE WHAT LOOKS LIKE HIVES ON THE INSIDE OF BOTH HIND LEGS.) This cat was given a vaccination of penicillin, an anti-biotic, and steroid. All cats were given a vaccination of penicillin. Photo will be attached or sent.
- Bacterial Infections: The presence of bacteria in cat urine can pose significant health risks. Pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella may be present, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal illnesses if the urine comes into contact with food preparation areas or surfaces.
- Leaching of VOCs: Over time, cat urine can break down into VOCs, releasing harmful gases into the air. These compounds have been linked to headaches, dizziness, and even long-term health issues like liver and kidney damage.
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Hypothermia occurs when your body loses more heat than it can produce. It is usually the result of being exposed to very cold temperatures.
But it can also occur in other circumstances, such as:
These are some examples of animal cruelty cases that VVSA has addressed. See the back story for the animals in these photos by clicking on the image. |
Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 13, Chapter 8 addresses the Humane and Proper Treatment of Animals. To view the law, visit 13 V.S.A. § 351 et seq. here.
The law addresses, among all other aspects of proper treatment of animals, “adequate” shelter. During Vermont’s frigid winters, it is critical to provide animals, especially those left out of doors for any extended period of time, shelter that protects them from the elements. Below are some helpful terms regarding what can happen to the body during freezing temperatures that apply equally to our animal companions. |
Frostbite is frozen water in body tissues. Like burns, frostbite injuries can be ranked in severity. First-degree frostbite is the mildest. Fourth-degree frostbite is the most severe. It may result in loss of the affected body part. The most common parts of the body to become frostbitten include:
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Recently VVSA helped remove ten goats and over 100 chickens, two dogs, ducks and roosters from another situation where they had gone four days without food or water. Without adequate shelter and due to an overwhelming fecal build up, some animals were trapped in what used to be a barn without sufficient light, water, bedding and enough food. Thanks to another rescue organization, Potter’s Angels Rescue, (PAR), Heather Bent, Executive Director, mobilized other groups that immediately came to remove goats and later the poultry. Most animals were re-homed within a week. Thanks to those that donated to VVSA, we were able to supply food, hay and medical treatment for the goats and poultry ~ a costly but well deserved expense.
In the last few weeks PAR and VVSA worked with the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department to bring about the construction of a shed for two horses in a neighboring town, that had no protection from the elements. They were also instructed to replace the mound of hay mixed with manure left for their food, and to provide clean food and water. The project was a success, thanks to concerned neighbors and the Sheriff's Department.
VVSA doesn't take salaries for our work ~ all donations goes towards helping the animals, and donations are tax deductible.
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