TORRINGTON, CT — After pleading not guilty to 38 counts of animal cruelty in Torrington Superior Court Thursday morning, a Winsted woman turned herself in that same afternoon on a new animal cruelty charge out of Norwalk—the 40th offense she’s now facing statewide.
Sarah Smolak, who was living in Norwalk last year, is accused of neglecting a dog she fostered in August and September 2023.
Police said the animal experienced a “sharp decline in health” while in her care. The charge marks the second Norwalk case filed against her this year.
She was booked Thursday afternoon and released on bond. Smolak is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on May 28 for both Norwalk cases.
Alongside animal cruelty charges, she also faces counts of criminal damage to property and larceny related to the Norwalk rental home where the alleged abuse occurred.
In February, Smolak relocated to Winsted.
The following month, Winchester police arrested her for the first time after receiving reports of animal mistreatment.
Officers seized 27 dogs from her home in March. Police said all required veterinary care and had been living in “deplorable” conditions.
That initial arrest triggered wider investigations.
Authorities in Norwalk reopened earlier complaints after pet owners and rescue groups who had worked with Smolak for fostering, boarding, and training came forward with additional allegations.
Smolak has denied all charges to date.
