The Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates Board of Directors, consisting of Robin “Zilla” Cannamela, Candace Bouchard, and Linda Pleva, will receive the Citizen for the Law Award at the CBA’s annual awards celebration, Celebrate with the Stars, on Wednesday, April 3.
Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is a group of volunteer citizens that was formed in response to various acts of animal cruelty committed throughout Connecticut, most notably the 2012 murder of a dog named Desmond by a man in Branford. The organization played a critical role in supporting the creation of the state animal cruelty statute known as “Desmond’s Law,” which was passed and enacted by the Connecticut legislature in 2016. Today Desmond’s Army remains committed to promoting animal welfare legislation and raising public awareness regarding the statistical connection between animal abuse and domestic and social violence.
Robin “Zilla’ Cannamela is the president and co-founder of Desmond’s Army. From an early age, animals have been a constant presence and source of comfort for her. Since 1998, she has cared for horses and managed what is now Fox Hill Farm, a distinguished boarding, training, and on-farm leasing facility that houses up to 20 horses.
Candace Bouchard is the secretary and vice president of Desmond’s Army. She has had dogs throughout her life and became the president of a Siberian husky rescue club in 2004. For 18 years she rescued and found homes for Siberian huskies throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. After meeting Robin “Zilla” Cannamela at a veterinarian’s office, Bouchard learned of the movement that arose in the wake of Desmond’s death and subsequently joined Desmond’s Army.
Linda Pleva serves as treasurer and vice president of Desmond’s Army. She has always had a passion for animal welfare and has owned and operated a pet supply store, a cat rescue organization, and a canine training program. After retiring from her real estate career in 2021 she now works part time for the animal advocacy organization CT Votes for Animals.
The Citizen for the Law Award is presented to a person who is not employed in the legal area but has made a significant contribution to the institution of justice and the law on a voluntary basis. These activities have been undertaken to advance the law for purely beneficial reasons, with little or no personal reward, and some personal sacrifice.
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