A 35-year-old Naugatuck woman facing multiple animal cruelty charges was arrested Thursday after Berlin police took her into custody on three outstanding warrants, authorities said.
Melissa Mae Ahlgren was transported to Naugatuck Police Department headquarters for processing following her arrest, according to the department.
The most serious of the warrants followed an investigation that began in August after animal control officials were alerted to a 5-week-old puppy that was reportedly in critical condition while in Ahlgren’s care.
The puppy was transported to an emergency veterinary hospital with assistance from Prospect Animal Control. Police said the animal’s condition was so severe that it could not be saved.
“Due to the severity of its condition, the puppy was euthanized,” police said in a news release. “A subsequent examination identified bacterial pneumonia and evidence of inadequate nutrition.”
Investigators later searched Ahlgren’s Celentano Drive residence on Aug. 20 and removed 16 dogs from the property, including several puppies, police said.
The animals remain under the care of animal control and are not currently available for adoption, according to authorities.
Police said investigators found extensive sanitation problems inside the residence, including feces and urine throughout the home. Officers also reported that there was no dog food available and that the property lacked running water.
The residence was subsequently condemned by the borough’s building inspector, police said.
The animal cruelty investigation resulted in charges of 16 counts of cruelty to animals, four counts related to failing to vaccinate dogs or cats, and four counts of failing to meet dog ownership requirements.
Ahlgren was being held on a $50,000 bond in connection with those charges, according to police.
Separate investigation involved online advertisement
Ahlgren was also arrested on a second warrant connected to an investigation into an allegedly fraudulent advertisement placed on an adult classifieds website.
Police said the advertisement used photographs and personal information belonging to a Naugatuck Animal Control officer who had been involved in the investigation of the alleged animal cruelty.
According to police, the advertisement falsely portrayed the officer “as offering sexual services, listed her former home address and encouraged strangers to arrive without calling.”
Investigators obtained digital records that police said connected the account used to publish the advertisement to Ahlgren.
She was charged in that case with second-degree harassment, second-degree breach of peace, second-degree stalking and criminal impersonation. Police said she was held on another $50,000 bond.
A third outstanding warrant resulted in an additional $10,000 bond. That warrant charged Ahlgren with second-degree failure to appear, police said.
Ahlgren appeared in court Friday morning, according to the Naugatuck Police Department.
