Hamden Woman, Minister, Accused Of Animal Cruelty

Lisa Levy faces multiple charges after several rescue dogs in her care suffered severe medical conditions, including "burned flesh".

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 48-year-old Hamden woman who works as a minister at a New Haven church has been arrested on five counts of animal cruelty. The charges stem from an investigation into the conditions of several rescue dogs in Levy's care, all of which had similar medical issues like "burned flesh/skin lesions, neurological symptoms, cough, vomiting, seizures, fractures, collapsing, not able to walk." The investigation began after a veterinarian reported one dog with "horrendous" burns to the Hamden Animal Control.

Why it matters

The case raises concerns about the oversight and vetting process for individuals who take in rescue animals, as well as the potential for repeat issues with animals in the care of certain caretakers. It also highlights the importance of proper animal welfare and the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect vulnerable rescue animals.

The details

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the investigation began on January 28 after a veterinarian from the Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine in North Haven contacted Hamden Animal Control about a dog named Chanco that Levy had brought in with severe burns. The vet said they had an open case with Levy involving three other dogs that were recent rescues and had similar medical problems, with two of them dying. Police found probable cause to charge Levy with animal cruelty for the conditions of five dogs in her care - Chanco, Zuba, Yelenda, Wanda, and Steve. Levy's boyfriend told police that on January 27, he had bathed Chanco in a tub that had Drano in it, and that Levy's maid had previously cleaned the tub with bleach, leading to a "strong chemical smell." Levy told the vet that if her boyfriend had hurt the dogs, "it's a huge dealbreaker."

  • On January 28, the veterinarian contacted Hamden Animal Control about Chanco's injuries.
  • On February 10, Levy's boyfriend was interviewed by police.
  • On February 20, Levy was arrested on five counts of animal cruelty.

The players

Lisa Levy

A 48-year-old Hamden woman who works as a community care minister at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Haven.

Chanco

A 10-year-old male chihuahua mix rescue dog in Levy's care that was found with severe burns.

Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine

A veterinary hospital in North Haven that treated several of the dogs in Levy's care and reported the issues to authorities.

Hamden Animal Control

The local animal control agency that launched the investigation into the conditions of the dogs in Levy's care.

Trinity Episcopal Church

The New Haven church where Levy works as a community care minister and has been placed on administrative leave.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Rev. Luk De Volder, Reverend, Trinity Episcopal Church (Patch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 6 whether to allow Levy to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures for individuals who take in rescue animals, to ensure the proper care and welfare of vulnerable pets. It also underscores the importance of the human-animal bond and the ethical obligation to treat all living creatures with compassion.