Old Lyme Could Recover $10K in Expenses From 2025 Animal Seizure

OLD LYME, CT – The Old Lyme Board of Selectmen is considering a $10,000 settlement with the individuals responsible for 27 animals seized from a Miami Beach home last year amid a Cheshire animal cruelty investigation. 

The proposed agreement would resolve a civil claim filed by the town to recover more than $23,000 in costs associated with caring for the animals after they were taken from the home. First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker presented the offer at the selectmen’s Monday meeting. 

The animals – 20 dogs, five birds and two chinchillas – were removed after allegations of animal abuse in Cheshire led local authorities to the doorstep of a Miami Avenue home. Repeated welfare checks conducted by Old Lyme Animal Control went unanswered before resident Nancy Guest allowed the officers to come inside, according to court records. 

The documents described finding animals covered in urine and feces amid “deplorable” conditions. The house was subsequently deemed unfit for habitation by the Ledge Light Health District, according to court records. 

Nancy Guest, Philip Guest and Jennifer Guest were arrested in September on 19 counts of animal cruelty related to the Cheshire investigation, which is pending in Meriden Superior Court. 

The matter has been referred to the adult probation department and records are currently sealed, according to the state Judicial Branch website.

In October, as part of a civil case filed by Old Lyme against Nancy Guest and Jennifer Guest, the town asked the defendants for $23,500 to cover expenses. The amount includes $5,900 in veterinary fees and $17,600 in daily boarding fees from the seizure through the Sept. 10 arrests. 

Shoemaker told selectmen the Old Lyme case is being addressed alongside the Cheshire proceedings in Meriden.

Shoemaker said a lawyer for the family opened negotiations with a $3,000 settlement offer. 

“I asked to start at $15,000, and we’ve gotten an agreement from them to take $10,000,” she told selectmen. 

Selectman Jim Lampos acknowledged the compromise. He said it’s “not a slam dunk” that the town would get more money if it held out for the full amount. 

Selectman John Mesham asked whether other methods, such as a tax lien, could recoup more money than a settlement. 

Shoemaker said she would follow up with the legal team to explore that option and would report back to the selectmen as soon as possible.

“I just prefer not to let this slip through our fingers,” she said.  

On Tuesday, she said a special selectmen’s meeting will be held Friday at 9:15 a.m. in the Town Hall for an update, discussion and possible vote.