Nearly 30 Alive and Dead Animals Seized from Connecticut Home Following ‘Suspicious Incident’

“There’s a lot of speculation and investigation that needs to happen,” a neighbor told authorities of the mysterious event

NEED TO KNOW

• Dozens of animals, including 21 alive and seven dead, were seized from a Connecticut home on Wednesday, June 10
• The animals, including four dogs, nine puppies, seven cats and one leopard gecko, have since been taken to Woodbridge Regional Animal Shelter
• While the circumstances surrounding the rescue remain unknown, the community has come together to provide the animals shelter and the supplies they need

Dozens of animals, including 21 alive and seven dead, were seized from a Connecticut home following a "suspicious incident."

On Wednesday, June 10, Connecticut State Police responded to reports of a suspicious incident that occurred at 17 Munson Road around 8:24 a.m., authorities confirmed to PEOPLE.

With the help of Woodbridge Regional Animal Control (WRAC), officers told News 8, CTPost and Patch that they rescued four dogs, nine puppies, seven cats and one leopard gecko from the property. Seven deceased animals, including pet mice, a bearded dragon, a snake, a cat, and two chickens, were also removed from the residence.

"You're never prepared for it," Woodbridge Animal Control Officer Jessica Moffo told News 8 of the influx of animals that have since been taken to Woodbridge Regional Animal Shelter. "We're a smaller facility. So, on top of the animals that we already had here, obviously [there is now] another load."

While the specific circumstances leading to the rescue remain unknown, WRAC issued an emergency donation request to help care for its 21 new residents.

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"Any donation, big or small, is greatly appreciated and will help us care for these animals during this critical time," the facility wrote in a Facebook announcement, while requesting food, paper towels, and cleaning supplies from the community.

"I ran to the store today and bought a ton of dog food and cat food," resident Christine Brohme told News 8 at the time. "That is one thing I don't mind spending money on."

On June 11, WRAC stressed that they are at "full capacity" now due to the sudden influx and are seeking the community's assistance in fostering animals who have been waiting for their forever homes much longer, in hopes of making more room for the animals that have just arrived.

"The support of our community has always made a difference, and we are asking for that support once again," WRAC wrote on Facebook. "Together, we can help these deserving dogs and cats find the loving homes they have been waiting for."

Courtney Britto, who lives near the house the animals were removed from, told News 8 that the incident was "out of the ordinary for Beacon Falls," adding that "a lot of people know each other" in the small town.

"There's a lot of speculation and investigation that needs to happen," neighbor Lucy Fernandez added. "In the meantime, we're like, where are the remaining animals, and where can we help?"