Brant, N.Y. (WBEN) - 74-year-old Bonnie George and 77-year-old Donald George were arraigned Thursday evening and are facing charged stemming from an animal cruelty case this past November at their farm in the Town of Brant.
An investigation into the Georges began after a dog control officer received an anonymous complaint about animals living in unsafe conditions at the farm on Brant Farnham Road. The complaint was forwarded to the SPCA Serving Erie County for further investigation.
It is alleged that on Wednesday, Nov. 19, SPCA investigators conducted an inspection on the property, where they observed neglected animals and unsanitary conditions.
A day later, SPCA investigators executed a search warrant at the property and seized a total of 216 animals.
The defendants are accused of failing to provide necessary food, water and care to 207 of the farm and domestic animals found on their property, which included 119 goats, 47 chickens, 18 ducks and geese, 11 cats, six sheep and six dogs.
Investigators also allegedly found multiple deceased animals on the property, which included goats, deer and fowl.
It is further alleged that the Georges intentionally obstructed the administration of law and prevented a public servant from performing an official function.
SPCA investigators allegedly observed two horses on the property during their initial inspection on Nov. 19. It is alleged that upon the execution of the search warrant on Nov. 20, the horses were no longer on the property and the Georges refused to provide information on their location.
Each have been charged with one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class "A" misdemeanor) and 207 counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class "A" misdemeanors under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).
Both are scheduled to return to court on March 12 for a pre-trial conference.
A temporary securing order has also been issued that prohibits the Georges from owning, harboring or having custody or control of any animals while the case is pending prosecution.
If convicted, the Georges face a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.
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