Waterbury woman charged with animal cruelty faces judge as advocates seek justice

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — A Waterbury woman charged with animal cruelty faced a judge on Friday.

Kadesha Wilson, 29, made her second appearance inside Waterbury Superior Court. The appearance was brief and routine, then Wilson once again attempted to avoid News 8 cameras while leaving the courthouse without comment.

According to court documents, Wilson neglected and abused a male Pitbull named Shadow.

Wilson allegedly left Shadow inside of an abandoned car that was covered in feces.

Shadow died in June.

Dozens of animal rights advocates packed the Waterbury courtroom Friday to shine light on Shadow’s case.

Mason, 10, showed up with a handmade sign in support of Shadow.

“It made me really upset [to hear about Shadow], and I feel bad for that dog and all the dogs who get abused by these people,” Mason said.

Animal rights groups, including the Bridgeport Animal Rescue Crew and Desmond’s Army, are demanding stricter penalties for animal abusers.

Diana Urban, a retired state representative and president of Protecting Kids & Pets Partnership, said that under current Connecticut law, a person can be charged with a Class D felony only if they starve a dog to death intentionally.

“Don’t tell me that when you starve a dog to death, it is unintentional,” Urban said. “So what we’re asking for in the state of Connecticut, is that if a dog is starved to death like Shadow was starved to death, it’s an immediate Class D felony.”

The group stood outside of Waterbury Superior Court demanding “Justice for Shadow.”

“They are not just animals,” said Linda Pleva, vice president & treasurer of Desmond’s Army. “They are living, breathing, suffering animals out there that need our protection.”

The 10-year-old echoed the sentiment he was taught years ago.

“It’s like what you learn in kindergarten, ‘Treat others how you want to be treated,’ but with the animals,” Mason said. “Treat them how you want to be treated.”

Wilson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 15.

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