Search for missing dog leads to animal cruelty arrest; 27 dogs rescued

Updated March 26, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.

WINSTED — An organized search for a missing dog and an investigation by Winchester Police Department, Harwinton Regional Animal Control and Suffolk County New York District Attorney’s office led to the recovery of more than two dozen dogs in the early hours of March 18.

A press release later that day stated two warrants were served to Sarah Smolak at her Winsted home. She was arrested on two counts of cruelty to animals and transferred to Torrington Superior Court to beheld on $150,000 bond.

In a follow up interview, Winchester Chief of Police Chris Ciuci said, “The number of dogs rescued is 27. The teams are still doing their work here. There were dogs loose, there were dogs in crates.”

“The search warrant is sealed so we can’t share any details associated with those investigations, or that search,” said Ciuci.

Each rescued dog will receive veterinary care and will be tagged and documented.Photo by Jennifer Almquist

Marshmallow, the missing dog that prompted the search, was not among the 27 dogs rescued on March 18.

The next morning, a second individual turned himself in and was held on $75,000 bond. WPD released a statement March 19:

“This morning David Reid turned himself in at police headquarters and was arrested on an outstanding warrant related to the case referenced above. The warrant is part of theon-going cruelty to animals investigation.”

As for the 27 dogs rescued on March 18, Chief Ciuci said, “Every dog is being tagged, documented, will be examined by a vet, is being cared for, housed and treated, mostly by Harwinton Regional Animal Control. They had to enlist the help of the Torrington Animal Control.”

The investigation remains open and individuals with relevant information are asked to contact WPD at (860) 379-2721.

Great Dane was among the 27 rescued dogs in Winsted March 18.Photo by Jennifer Almquist