SUFFIELD, Conn. (AP) — A woman has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after authorities seized nearly 200 neglected animals from Connecticut farms.
Suffield police said Monday that 35-year-old Rachel Kornstein, of Manchester, Connecticut turned herself in for arrest over the weekend.
She faces six counts of cruelty to animals. Kornstein posted $20,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Enfield on Feb. 18.
A law firm that had represented Kornstein in a recent civil case didn’t respond to a message seeking comment.
Local and state officials say they began investigating Kornstein after receiving complaints that farm animals under her care were being neglected.
They found cows, dogs and poultry at three area farms that were severely emaciated and sick.
Authorities said the animals had been deprived of food, water and medical attention for untreated wounds and infections. They also found evidence of several dead chickens.
In January, Suffield police and the state Department of Agriculture seized a total of 18 cattle, 137 chickens, 33 ducks and six dogs from farms leased by Kornstein.
Most are now being cared for at a state-run animal rehabilitation center. The state is also seeking permanent custody of the animals.
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