PAWS TO PONDER

by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc. 

Did you know on March 9, 2026 the Town of Goshen Justice determined that there was to be no JUSTICE for 113 neglected animals that were seized from a residence on October 8, 2024.  In her lack of wisdom, the Judge insisted on a lesser charge of only a violation of the animal sheltering statute and a $1000 fine to be paid to the Court.  No restitution to our shelter for the 6 months of care for 57 chickens and 56 rabbits before their court ordered forfeiture for failing to pay a security bond.    Veterinary and medications alone exceeded $7000.  The fowl were lice infested with chronic issues, low keel scores and tested positive for Marek’s disease with 10 succumbing to this disease. The rabbits exhibited ear mites, hock sores, and molar overgrowth and overgrown nails.  The conditions in which they were found on the property was heartbreaking. No food or water. Feces filled makeshift cages, some confined to total darkness, others exposed to extreme temperatures.  By anyone’s standards, these animals were subjected to horrendous, filthy living conditions without the basics of care including food, water, enrichment and medical.  Clearly multiple misdemeanor crimes of Agriculture and Markets Law Article 26, section 353.   This judge decided otherwise. 

Here is a synopsis:

1. July 31, 2024, WVHS received emails from the homeowner about these animals belonging to her estranged husband and the conditions on the property and animals.  Referred to HVSPCA who refused involvement. 
2. August 7, 2024 I inspected the property and was horrified by what I saw and smelled.  Chickens, ducks, guinea fowl and rabbits confined to a dingy and garbage strewn garage while most of the rabbits were confined to wire bottom ramshackle DIY feces laden cages without any sustenance either alone or huddled with four to five others.  
3. O.C. Sheriff and Town of Goshen police notified     
4. September 28, 2024, re-inspection prior to issuance of the search warrant.  Conditions were worse, some    fowl were now missing. 
5. October 7, 2024, the Goshen Police, a Deputy from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Warwick Valley Humane Society seized all 113 animals from the residence.  
6. Each animal was numbered and photographed taking over 6 hours to complete. 
7. All animals seized were transported to the Warwick animal shelter for another 6 hours of intake 
8. October 8-9, 2024 On-site veterinary examinations revealing conditions noted above.
9. October 8, 2024 – March 2025 – 6 months of 2-3 hour daily care of 56 rabbits: cleaning, feeding, fresh water, fresh greens,   24 hour supply of hay.    Chicken food and supplies ordered on a regular basis. 
10. March of 2025, the Court finally ordered the animals forfeited to Warwick Valley Humane Society.
11. March 2025- March 9, 2026.  -monthly court appearances, repeated delays and defendant absences. 

None of the above mattered to the Judge.  A slap on the wrist, money to the court and done. 

Yes, we rescued 113 animals, but there is nothing to prevent this from happening again.  And it will. 

“The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that’s the essence of inhumanity”. George Bernard Shaw 

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