Police have arrested former Wolcott Municipal Animal Control Officer Joseph Ouimet on animal cruelty charges after hidden camera video revealed dogs being slammed and sprayed with chemicals, police said.
Police arrested Ouimet, 41, of Wolcott on an arrest warrant at 11:15 a.m. today and said it stems from incidents that occurred at the town’s dog pound. He was charged with four counts of animal cruelty.
Police started investigating in May after receiving complaints about conditions, including violations dealing with cleaning and sanitizing floors, grates, beds and bowls.
Hidden camera were set up inside the kennel area from May 5 until July 10 and the video revealed Ouimet slamming a dog between a kennel door several times and spraying two dogs with a hose, according to police.
The footage also showed a dog being sprayed in the face with a cleaning substance, police said.
Police said Ouimet was placed on administrative leave and given the opportunity to resign, police said. If he was found guilty, that could have resulted in termination.
Ouimet resigned from his animal control position on July 16.
He was released on a $1,500 non-surety bond and is due in court on Sept. 6.
Photo Credit: Wolcott Police