Sarah Smolak, 28, or Winsted, was arraigned Tuesday on animal cruelty charges in what Winchester police call an ongoing investigation.

Smolak appeared briefly in Torrington Superior Court hours after Winchester police seized 24 dogs from her home with help from the Harwinton Regional Animal Control Department and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The prosecutor told the judge many of the dogs needed veterinary care and four were in critical condition after infections due to their collars being too tight. He requested bond remain at $150,000.

Smolak was appointed a public defender who said Smolak works with dog rescues, dealing with critical care dogs. He told the judge that of the two dogs detailed in the arrest warrants, one was in hospice and the other needed surgery, which Smolak was trying to arrange payment for. He argued against any bond, adding that Smolak has no criminal history and will show up for court.

The judge agreed to release her on a promise to appear but with the condition she can't have any animals. Smolak is due back in court on May 8.

News 12 spoke with Winchester's police chief following Smolak's court appearance.

"All the animals are safe right now. They're being well cared for, examined and housed by our local regional animal control," said Chief Christopher Ciuci.

Ciuci said police began looking into Smolak in late February shortly after she moved to Winsted, when they received a complaint from AMA Animal Rescue based in Brooklyn, New York, about one of its foster dogs. The nonprofit said it entrusted a pitbull named Marshmallow to Smolak in December, but the animal had since disappeared, with Smolak refusing to disclose his whereabouts. As police investigated, a local vet contacted them about alleged abuse to a dog Smolak had dropped off. Then came concerns from an animal group that picked up a dog from her in March.

"Before they left town with that dog—they were located out of Long Island—they contacted us because again, they thought the dog was malnourished, abused and neglected," Ciuci explained.

Those complaints led to Smolak's arrest, but Ciuci said she could face more charges in the future.

"We'll see where the investigation goes, but it's likely that additional charges could come down the road," Ciuci told News 12, adding that the search to find Marshmallow isn't over.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to reach out to Winchester Detective James Crean at 860-379-2721 or jcrean@townofwinchester.org or the Harwinton Regional Animal Control Department at 860-485-9051, ext. 1129 or animalcontrol@harwinton.us.

AMA Animal Rescue released a statement that said in part: "This arrest confirms what we and countless animal advocates have long feared—dogs in Smolak's care have suffered neglect, abuse, and even disappearance. In recent weeks, pet owners and animal rescues from across the country have come forward with similar horror stories about their animals, and we believe there are many more victims."

The nonprofit said it's "relieved" that Smolak is being held accountable but urged people to continue to share Marshmallow's story in hopes of him being found.

"The arrest of Sarah Smolak is a step toward justice, but our fight is not over. We will not rest until we know what happened to Marshmallow," AMA Animal Rescue said.

The nonprofit is offering a $2,500 for any information leading to his safe return. Tips can be emailed to BRINGMARSHYHOME@gmail.com.

Before moving to Winsted, Smolak lived in Norwalk. AMA Animal Rescue alleges police there received dozens of complaints against her and never did anything. Norwalk's police chief said there were five complaints of alleged abuse or malnourishment since 2021, and all were investigated with no probable cause for an arrest found.