This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

A New Haven, Connecticut, area minister has been charged with animal cruelty after police and veterinary records reportedly found that her current and previous dogs, numbering over a dozen, suffered severe chemical burns, seizures, neurological issues, and fractures. Demand serious prosecution in this case.
 

In January, State Animal Control Officer Charles DellaRocco received a complaint about animal cruelty from the Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine about Chanco, a 10-year-old chihuahua mix who Lisa Ann Levy had brought in with “horrendous burns” who later died. DellaRocco already had a case open involving Levy and three other dogs who had previously been brought there with neurological issues and chemical burns.
 

Further investigation by Barbara Godejohn, an Animal Control Officer with the Hamden Police Department, uncovered more than a dozen other animals who suffered and died in her care.

The current charges stem from her abuse of Chanco, Yelenda, Zuba, Wanda, and Steve. Chanco, Zuba, Wanda, and Steve all died from their injuries. Yelenda was taken back in by her original rescue.

Murphy's Paw Rescue, one of the organizations she had adopted from, explained in a Facebook post that she was able to continue to dupe rescues and veterinarians into allowing her to obtain animals by strategically using multiple veterinary offices throughout the state.

Thankfully, veterinarians and officials put the pieces together and put an end to her abuse. Levy, the Community Care Minister at Trinity on the Green Episcopal Church, was arrested on February 20, 2026, and originally charged with five counts of animal cruelty under Connecticut State Statute § 53-247(a), a Class A misdemeanor. Those charges have since been upgraded to felony animal cruelty charges.

Because Levy's charges have been upgraded from misdemeanor animal cruelty to felony malicious wounding and/or first-degree killing of an animal, she now faces significantly more serious penalties. Under Connecticut law, a first offense for maliciously and intentionally maiming, mutilating, torturing, wounding, or killing an animal is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Connecticut law also requires the court to impose a five-year prohibition on having animals, or on working or volunteering in positions involving animals, for any conviction under § 53-247. In a case this serious, every available protection must be pursued.

Levy is scheduled to appear in Connecticut Superior Court in Meriden on June 29, 2026, for a plea hearing. Unfortunately, she is currently out on a 7% cash bond set at $15,000 and is on administrative leave from her pastoral position.

Letters to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Letter 1

Decision makers:
Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney John Lion
State’s Attorney John P. Doyle Jr.

Subject: Requesting Maximum Prosecution of Repeat Dog Torturer

I am writing in support of the prosecution of Lisa Ann Levy, Case #N07M-CR26-0362936-S. Levy was originally charged on February 20, 2026, with five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty under Connecticut State Statute § 53-247(a). Those charges have since been upgraded to felony animal cruelty charges. Her crimes warrant the maximum available sentence of five years imprisonment per dog, with any terms of incarceration ordered to be served consecutively, hopefully leading to decades of prison.
 
The records show that Levy’s dogs suffered chemical burns, allegedly from Drano and bleach. Four dogs succumbed to their torment.
 
Lisa Levy’s prolonged abuse of her animals warrants Class D felony status for the four dogs who perished and the one who escaped death, as well as mandated mental health counseling and the allowed 5-year ban on contact with animals, which, of course, should be for her lifetime. I would like to see felony charges brought against her for the other dogs she tortured as well.
 
I will be following this case to its adjudication. I ask that you share my letter with the presiding judicial officer for sentencing. 

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

Letter 2

Decision maker:
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello - Episcopal Church in Connecticut

Subject: Terminate Permanently Lisa Levy’s Pastoral Role

I am writing to you as one of 250,000 In Defense of Animals supporters who care deeply about the treatment of animals.

In Defense of Animals upholds compassion for all beings as a core value and campaigns to protect animals from cruelty and exploitation. Programs include faith-based vegan advocacy and the Interfaith Vegan Coalition, which works with religious communities to promote kindness, nonviolence, and respect for life.

Lisa Ann Levy, a pastor at Trinity on the Green Episcopal Church, was originally charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty offenses after authorities discovered multiple dogs allegedly suffering from extreme neglect and severe abuse inside her residence. Those charges have since been upgraded to felony animal cruelty charges due to the horrific nature of the alleged crimes, including suffering from being tortured through chemical burns, allegedly from Drano and bleach. Three dogs succumbed to their torment.

According to reports, several dogs were found living in horrifying conditions. Some were severely emaciated, others suffered from untreated medical conditions, and most did not survive. This happened over a dozen times, with only one survivor. The suffering these dogs endured reflects prolonged neglect and profound indifference to their pain and fear. Animals depend entirely on the humans entrusted with their care. To betray that trust so completely so many times is deeply disturbing.

Whether convicted or acquitted, these allegations are incompatible with a position of moral and spiritual leadership. Allowing Levy to continue serving in a pastoral role risks undermining public trust in the Church and sends a troubling message about accountability and compassion.

A person entrusted with guiding others in faith should embody mercy, empathy, and protection of the vulnerable. The allegations against Levy stand in direct opposition to those values. I respectfully urge the Church to permanently remove her from any leadership position while this case proceeds and to ensure she never again serves in a role representing the moral authority of the Church.

I appreciate the seriousness of the decision before you and trust you will act with integrity, compassion, and justice.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.