Winsted woman faces new animal cruelty case out of Norwalk, bringing total to 40 counts
This is the second animal cruelty case against Sarah Smolak out of Norwalk and the 40th count she's facing.
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A Winsted woman who pleaded not guilty Thursday to 38 counts of animal cruelty in Torrington Superior Court then turned herself in on another animal cruelty charge out of Norwalk.
This is the second animal cruelty case against Sarah Smolak out of Norwalk and the 40th count she's facing.
Police said the latest charge pertains to a dog Smolak was fostering last August and September while she was living in Norwalk. The dog suffered a sharp decline in health while in her care, according to police.
Smolak bonded out after being booked Thursday afternoon. She's due in Stamford Superior Court on May 28 in this case, as well as the other charges she's facing in Norwalk. The other animal cruelty case there pertains to a dog she fostered in the spring of 2024. Smolak is also charged with criminal damage to property and larceny regarding the home she was renting in Norwalk.
In February, Smolak moved to Winsted. The following month, Winchester police arrested her for the first time over allegations of mistreatment to dogs that had been entrusted to her there. Police said they also pulled 27 dogs from her home, all of which required veterinary care due to neglect and deplorable conditions.
The arrests there led to the investigations in Norwalk. Rescues and pet owners who'd previously used Smolak for fostering, boarding and training contacted police with allegations similar to those in Winsted.
