Connecticut minister facing animal cruelty charges, put on administrative leave

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Friday, March 06, 2026

An Episcopal Church minister in Connecticut is facing animal cruelty charges related to the deaths of three dogs.

Lisa Levy, 48, a minister at Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green in New Haven, was arrested last month and charged with five counts of animal cruelty, reports News 12 Connecticut.

Authorities say they found dogs that Levy owned that had cuts, chemical burns and broken bones; three of the five dogs she was said to have owned died as a result of injuries or illnesses.

Trinity on the Green, where Levy served as congregational care minister, also issued a letter to the congregation last week, signed by the Rev. Luk De Volder, rector of the church, and the Rev. Heidi Thorsen, associate rector of the church.

The clergy said they had notified the regional body of the situation, that Levy was being represented by an attorney, and called for prayers for all involved.

“We are mindful of the significant spiritual and emotional impact of this news on our community,” the leaders continued. “Please be in touch with Rev. Luk or Rev. Heidi if you find yourself in need of a pastoral conversation."

The arrest warrant for Levy states that she and her boyfriend had taken several dogs who were suffering from neurological problems or chemical burns to veterinarians, according to News 12.

According to authorities, the “offense dates” for the alleged abuse go from December 2022 to July of last year, reports the New Haven Independent, with officials first becoming aware of the alleged cruelty in late January.

As of last week, Levy had not pleaded to any of the charges and was released from custody on a $15,000 bond, according to the Independent, which reports that she told police she wasn't responsible for their injuries. 

The Episcopal Church in Connecticut issued a statement in response to the arrest, saying that Levy was placed on administrative leave as a result of the proceedings.

“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,” stated the regional body, as quoted by News 12.

“As people whose lives are enriched by the companionship of animals, we know they must be treated with care, respect, and dignity. We are mindful of the significant spiritual and emotional impact of this news on our community.”