Animals seized from ranch on neglect claims

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut animal control officers say claims of neglect and poor conditions led them to seize horses, cats, dogs and other animals from a North Haven ranch.

Officials say they went to the Rambling River Ranch on Wednesday and removed 14 horses, two ponies, three mules, cats, dogs, ferrets, birds, ducks, guinea pigs and rabbits.

State Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli says the animals' health was poor. People had complained that horses were thin, had no water and fecal matter was piling up high in their stalls.

Authorities say inmates at a state prison in East Lyme will care for the horses until they are sold at auction, adopted or returned to their owners.

Property owner Gina-Lee Rapuano denies neglecting the horses. She vowed to fight the seizure.