Two criminally charged after 122 neglected New York farm animals had to be rescued from cruel and tortuous conditions
(240 Glenmary Drive, Tioga, Image credit: Google Maps)
On January 19, the Tioga County Sheriff’s Office headquartered in Oswego, New York, reported receiving information concerning potential animal neglect occurring at 240 Glenmary Drive in the Town of Tioga. The Sheriff’s Patrol Division investigated and determined that numerous farm animals consisting of cows, horses and goats were in various stages of neglect. The Sheriff’s Office, along with the Tioga County District Attorney’s Office and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) continued to investigate the matter and a search warrant was requested.
On January 18, the Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant at the property and as a result, 100 cows, 17 goats and 5 horses were seized and transported to other locations for care. Two deceased goats and additional evidence of animal neglect were located on the premises.
As a result of their investigation, 44 year-old Adam M. Romanik and 44 year-old resident Patrick J. Champaign, were both charged with the following:
- Five counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals,
- Failure to provide proper sustenance, in violation of section 353 of the NYS Agricultural and Markets Law. And
- 22 counts of failure to provide proper food and drink to impounded animal, in violation of section 356 of the NYS Agricultural and Markets Law
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the ASPCA, Tioga County DA’s Office and Owego EMS.
The ASPCA has been assisting with operational planning, animal removal and transport, evidence collection and crime scene processing, investigative and legal support, forensics exams, medical care, and ongoing sheltering for the animals. The Massachusetts SPCA, Susquehanna SPCA, and Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary are also assisting with this case by providing transport assistance and care for the animals.
For more on the story, see the video below.
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(Source: Tioga County Sheriff’s Office)
(Cover photo of farm animals is for illustration purposes only, Image credit: YouTube)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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