Norwich man who owns up to 20 cats charged with cruelty to animals

Norwich — After an extensive police investigation, a Norwich man was charged Monday with 20 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals.

Sgt. James Tetreault said the arrest of Walter A. Cooper IV, 47, of 72 Vergason Ave. was the result of an investigation conducted by the city’s animal control officer along with the Uncas Health District.

Tetreault said Cooper was arrested after numerous attempts were made to remedy unsanitary conditions at his residence. Police said Cooper had between 15 and 20 cats that he failed to care for or provide with veterinary treatment.

Tetreault said the animal control officer had been working with Cooper to remedy the issue since November 2011. Police said similar reports about neglect of his cats date back to 2009.

Cooper was arraigned Monday in Norwich Superior Court and released on a promise to appear in court Oct. 2.