On January 12, 2010, four arrest warrants for individuals involved in the care and keeping of animals at the Rambling River Ranch in North Haven were signed by a New Haven Superior Court (G.A. 23) Judge. North Haven police took Gina-Lee Rapuano of 130/138 Spring Road into custody on 27 counts of Cruelty to Animals, C.G.S § 53-247.
Hamden Police arrested Paul Novicki on six counts of Cruelty to Animals. Both Rapuano and Novicki are being held on $100,000 bond and are expected to be arraigned today. In addition to Paul Novicki and Gina-Lee Rapuano, the court issued arrest warrants for Crystal Kelly of Wallingford, two counts of Cruelty to Animals and Tom Jermaine of East Haven, one count of Cruelty to Animals, both are expected to turn themselves in.
On December 16, 2009, State Department of Agriculture Animal Control Officers, with the assistance of the North Haven Municipal Animal Control Officers and North Haven Police, seized 16 horses and three mules from the Rambling River Ranch, 138 Spring St., North Haven, CT. The animals were seized due to health issues, poor condition of the stable and grounds which contributed to hoof and leg problems, lack of appropriate veterinary care and lack of adequate and appropriate feed and water. This is an ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by State Animal Control Officers.
“These are serious charges as shown by the court setting bond so high,” said Department of Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli. “The Department has had numerous dealings with Novicki including convictions on Animal Cruelty charges in 2003, another animal seizure in 2007 where he voluntarily turned over ownership of his animals and now. Hamden police also have had numerous dealings with Mr. Novicki.”
