Police Confirm Probe Into Stratford Animal Control

At the center of an investigation into alleged wrongdoing at Stratford Animal Control is a document provided by the accuser that shows the euthanasia of 15 cats.

According to the document, the bill totals $2,750, which would be nearly a third of Stratford Animal Control's .

"The town was double-billed for every one of these cats," alleges Michael Griffin, a former employee at Stratford Animal Control who retired as chief animal control officer six years ago, and is now leading the .

"Who is supervising these people? I handled these booklets for 15 years [as chief officer]."

Griffin said the document is a chart he put together from a collection of invoices he received via a Freedom of Information Act request from the town's finance department.

The former animal control officer has sent this and other information to the , who are now "reviewing the allegations," according to Capt. Joe McNeil.

Local animal group responds to allegations

The Stratford Animal Rescue Society (STARS) is a nonprofit that cares for and raises funds for adoptable animals at Stratford Animal Control.

Griffin has alleged that STARS is involved in the illegal or dishonest behavior at Stratford Animal Control. STARS member questions the integrity of the document outlining the September 2011 euthanasia of 15 cats.

"Those are not copies of actual invoices from the veterinarian," she said.

Furthermore, O'Malley said Griffin is wrong in his claim that the Connecticut Humane Society handles animal cruelty cases and thus would have paid the nearly $3000 bill.

"I have never seen that practice," she said.

In response to allegations that STARS and Stratford Animal Control are in cahoots, O'Malley said, "What STARS does is separate from animal control and when they initially impound an animal...STARS does not find and bring animals to the shelter."

Griffin said he decided to bring allegations against his former employer after a friend of his said he "got ripped off by Stratford Animal Control" after adopting a pet and being overcharged $120.

Current Animal Control Officer Rachel Solveira referred comment to the Stratford Police Department, citing a town policy that dictates all media inquires go through the department. Finance Director Susan Collier could not be reached for comment.