The Case of Sarah Smolak: The Unraveling of an Animal Abuser Are you aware of the complex and disturbing case involving animal cruelty, deception, and systemic failures? Episode 5 of the Desmond's Army Podcast delves into the story of Sarah Smolak —a woman charged with dozens of counts of animal abuse—and how a small rescue uncovered a web of neglect. Host Matt Caron talks with Desmond's Army President, Zilla Cannamela , and AMA Animal Rescue Board Member Michele Walsh . CHA

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is extending the duration of the state’s currently activated Severe Cold Weather Protocol to remain in effect through at least noon on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as this long-duration stretch of brutally frigid temperatures in Connecticut continues. The protocol was initially activated on Friday, January 23, 2026, and was most recently set to expire on Thursday, February 5, 2026. However, the updated forecast now

Click the image to listen to the full podcast. In this episode of the Desmond's Army  podcast, host Matt Caron is joined by Zilla Cannamela, the President of Desmond's Army, and attorney advocate Joyce Glass.  They discuss the ongoing efforts in  animal advocacy,  particularly focusing on the implications of Desmond's Law, which aims to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. The conversation highlights the importance of data  in understanding the effectiveness of the law ,

Will Push for Companion Animals, Limited Use of AR, and Starvation as a Felony WHEN: Tuesday, January 27, 9:00 AM WHERE: Room 2A, LOB, Hartford WHO: Zilla Cannamela - President of Desmond’s Army, Roslyn Nenninger - Wolcott Animal Control Officer, Charles Farfaglia - Animal Advocate Attorney, Annie Hornish, Connecticut State Director, Humane World, State Rep. Kathy Kennedy - 119th, State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria - 105th HARTFORD, CT – Just prior to a critical public meeting

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Gov. Ned Lamont extended Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol through noon on Thursday, Feb. 5, due to frigid temperatures expected to persist for at least another 10 days. The protocol was initially enacted on Friday, Jan. 23, and had been set to expire on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Overnight temperatures over the next 10 days will largely dip into the single digits, even reaching below zero on several nights. “What we’re experiencing right now is an

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at noon on Friday, January 23, 2026 , and remaining in effect until noon  on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 , due to a blast of extremely cold air that will impact the state during this period. Anyone in need of immediate shelter overnight can contact 211 Infoline for assistance.

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026 , and remaining in effect until noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 , due to a blast of cold air that will impact the state during this period, including overnight temperatures that are expected to fall into the low to mid-teens with wind chills ranging between zero and ten degrees. Anyone in need of immediate shelter overnigh

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026 , and remaining in effect until noon on Friday, January 16, 2026 , due to a blast of cold air that will impact the state during this period, including overnight temperatures that are expected to fall into the low to mid-teens with wind chills ranging between zero and ten degrees.

A big congratulations to our President, Zilla Cannamela, for her powerful words that beautifully capture our mission: fighting for stronger animal protection laws, courtroom advocacy under Desmond's Law, monitoring cruelty cases, and supporting victims of abuse. Check out the full article to learn how we're making a difference—and join us! Volunteer, report cruelty, or support our work to give animals a voice. Read it here: https://issuu.com/.../connecticut_dog_magazine_winte

MANCHESTER, CT – Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates is deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic discovery of two deceased pitbull-mix dogs in the woods near the Stop & Shop plaza on Broad Street in Manchester, CT, on January 3, 2026. 

SHELTON, CT – Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $5,000 REWARD for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for abandoning two innocent kittens in the Shelton Walmart bathroom on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at approximately 1:00 pm.

In this episode of the Desmond's Army Podcast, host Matt Caron and Vice President Linda Pleva discuss various cases of animal cruelty and neglect , highlighting the urgent need for legislative changes in Connecticut. They cover specific cases, including the abandonment of dogs Eeyore and Piglet, the opening of a controversial retail pet shop, and the tragic stories of Bambi and Bear, who suffered from starvation and neglect. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adv

Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is activating Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, and remaining in effect until noon on Sunday, January 4, 2026 , due to a blast of unusually cold weather that will impact the state during this period, including wind chills during the overnight hours on most of these nights that are expected to drop into the single digits and near zero at times.

CT Cold weather protocol in effect from 5:00 pm, Thursday, Dec. 25, through 10:00 am Sunday, Dec 28 December 24, 2025 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and remaining in effect until 10:00 am on Sunday, December 28, 2025 , due to a blast of arctic conditions that will impact the state during this period, including wind chills during the over

In this episode of the Desmond’s Army Podcast, leaders from Desmond’s Army join animal welfare expert Phil Arkow to discuss the powerful link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. The conversation highlights gaps in the legal system, the need for reform and collaboration, and ends with a call for greater awareness and more pet-friendly shelters.

Norwalk police say Jeffrey Vigil, a city man, is accused of shooting a pit bull during a domestic dispute on Old Saugatuck Road Wednesday evening. Courtesy of the Norwalk Police Department Greenwich Time | by Peter Yankowski | Dec 12, 2025 | A Connecticut animal rights group is questioning why a man charged in a Norwalk domestic dispute, during which police said he shot a dog that bit him , is not facing animal cruelty charges.  The man, 52-year-old Jeffrey Vigil, 52 is char

CT Cold weather protocol in effect from 12 pm on Sunday, Dec. 14, through 12 pm on Monday, Dec. 15 Dec ember 13, 2025 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at noon on Sunday, December 14, and remaining in effect until noon on Monday, December 15 , due to a blast of arctic air that will impact the state, including windchill temperatures during the overnight hours that are expected to be

CT Cold weather protocol in effect from 3 pm Thursday, Dec. 4, through 12 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 9 Dec ember 4, 2025 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a blast of arctic temperatures averaging 10 to 20 degrees below normal over the next several days. The Governor has activated CT's severe cold weather protocol beginning at 3 pm Thursday, Dec. 4, and ending at 12 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 9.  P

The story behind Desmond's Army is one of passion, dedication, and a clear mission to make a difference. In the latest episode of the DA Podcast , President Zilla Cannamela shares firsthand insights into how Desmond's Army began and the principles that guide it today, including the important Desmond's Law. This blog post takes you deeper into that conversation, revealing the origins, challenges, and vision that shape this unique community. By understanding Desmond's Army and

News 8 | by: Zuri Hoffman  | October 22, 2025 | WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — The Waterbury Police Department is investigating an alleged case of animal abuse caught on video . The video reportedly shows a man punching a small black and white dachshund while she was tied to a pole before dragging her down the street. The dog, which is now in the city’s custody, has minor injuries but is doing well overall. “I spoke to our animal control officers, and they say that the dog is hap