Court Order Blocks Man from Owning, Caring for Animals

A court order blocks a Hamden man repeatedly found guilty of animal abuse from ever owning animals -- or managing animals in the future. The state Attorney General's office obtained the order on behalf of the Agriculture Department against Paul Novicki.

Starting in 2003, the state has seized 178 neglected animals from Novicki in recent years, including horses, mules, burros, rabbits, chickens, ducks, pheasants, dogs and a cat seized just last month.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says the court order is "extreme, but essential ," since repeated convictions did not act as a deterrent.

Agriculture Commissioner Philip Prelli says his department is pleased with the outcome, and hopes it puts an end to his animal neglect. He says the Agriculture Department hopes to find suitable homes for the seized animals as their condition improves.