A Greenwich woman accused of running a puppy mill in New Canaan was re-arrested Wednesday in connection to an active warrant.

Catherine Palmer and her attorney showed up to court today for what they thought was a quick and routine appearance in her animal cruelty case. Instead, they learned Palmer was being taken into custody.

Palmer was handcuffed once she left the courtroom and was accused of violating the conditions of her release.

Palmer had been free on $10,000 bond with one caveat - she couldn't have animals.

She was first arrested in November following a monthslong investigation into puppies she was selling online.

"Puppy mill dogs are exposed to terrible, terrible conditions, and these dogs were in trouble physically when we first got them," New Canaan Animal Control officer Allyson Halmn says.

Police say Palmer kept the dogs at a home she owned but didn't live at in New Canaan. She rented the home out to tenants, keeping the dogs corralled to a section of the kitchen.

Police say severe neglect led to the deaths of three puppies.

Animal Control removed 12 dogs from the home, taking care of them around the clock for almost three months as they fought Palmer in civil court.

She'd sued to get the dogs back. Last month, the judge ruled against her, granting the town permanent custody and allowing all the animals to be adopted.

"This rescue was close to my heart because at least we were able to stop some of that perpetual breeding of poorly bred dogs and we truly saved them," says Halm.

Police say Palmer brought animals to a veterinary clinic in Norwalk, violating the bond release condition that she not have contact with animals. Her latest bond was set at $150,000 and cannot be posted without a hearing, which is set for Thursday.

New Canaan police also say Palmer sold a car full of puppies throughout New England right before her arrest. Two died shortly after being dropped off.