More Stories






A New Haven minister is facing five counts of animal cruelty in Hamden, police say.
Police say they found dogs owned by Lisa Levy with chemical burns, cuts and broken bones.
Court documents show Levy had five dogs under her care.
Levy's arrest warrant shows that she and her boyfriend brought several dogs to veterinarians who were all suffering from neurological problems or chemical burns. Out of the five dogs Levy cared for, three of them died as a result of illnesses and/or injuries.
The warrant additionally stated that several other animals Levy owned over the past few years either died, were returned to a rescue group or were euthanized after suffering from various medical issues. Officials at the Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green in New Haven confirm Levy is their Community Care minister but has been placed on administrative leave. In a statement, they wrote that the Episcopal Church in Connecticut has been notified about Levy's charges. "As we gather more information, we are placing Lisa on administrative leave. We are keeping Lisa in our prayers and all those impacted by this situation. This is a tragic situation, and we grieve it. As people of faith, we know that what God has made is sacred. As people whose lives are enriched by the companionship of animals, we know they must be treated with care, respect, and dignity. We are mindful of the significant spiritual and emotional impact of this news on our community," the statement said.