Police rescued close to 20 animals in need of medical attention from a Bedford home.

  (Photo courtesy of WMUR News 9)

Detective Matt Fleming, of the Bedford Police Department, said they rescued 10 cats and 9 dogs after receiving complaints about animal cruelty and neglect by the animals' owner. Police said they found one cat already dead and the other animals in need of medical attention inside the owner's home.

“Unfortunately, out of all the animals that we were able to rescue, there was one that we were not able to save,” Fleming said. “(It) certainly was a pretty bad situation inside the residence when we got there. It's safe to say it was fairly deplorable inside the home.”

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the rescued animals were hungry and thirsty and had to be given water slowly so they didn't drink too fast.

Police said that while their first priority is to get the animals to a safe place, they are still investigating the case and it's highly likely that charges will be filed.

“We (are) truly worried about the well-being of the animals and the way that they are being treated. It's a difficult scene when you go into those homes and see how the animals look,” Fleming said.

Update 2/4/11:  Kimberly Connell, 42, turned herself in to police on February 4th and is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals.

  (Photo courtesy of WMUR News 9)

Connell was released on $1000 personal recognizance bail. She is scheduled to appear at the Merrimack District Court on March 7.

According to court records, Connell is no stranger to the law.  In August of 1998 Connell was charged with DWI, second Offense, after the car she was operating rolled over.  The car was severely damaged, but Connell, then age 30 escaped with abrasions to her right arm.  She was released on $300 personal recognizance bail.  In February 1999 she was found innocent of driving while intoxicated.

Connell again was arrested in September of 2009 for reckless conduct.  In December 2009, Connell, now 41, was arrested for operating after suspension.

Update 2/10/11:   Bedford Detective Sgt. Michael Griswold said an investigation led to the search warrant of Connell’s house, but she was not home at the time.

Police and New Hampshire SPCA workers found 9 dogs and 10 cats living throughout the house, and several other animals that were locked in cages and in various stages of neglect. One animal was dead, Griswold said.

"Four Rottweilers were found living in kennels in the basement and they were loaded with feces, no food or water available, underweight and one of them even had a glass bowl in there that had broken," NH SPCA Investigator Steve Sprowl stated.

Griswold said the affidavit has been sealed by the court and he could not offer further details on the case.  “That will all come out of trial,” he said. “The investigation is not complete at this time.”

All of the living animals were seized during the January search of Connell's home and have been living at the NHSPCA. Sprowl said that the animals will eventually be put up for adoption.

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