Police investigation removes animals from hobby farm in North Norwich after public outcry
Police removed dozens of animals from a hobby farm in North Norwich on Wednesday after concerns about animal welfare were shared online by a local resident, including these photos. The Chenango County Sheriff and NY State Police are conducting an animal cruelty investigation, no arrest have been made. (Submitted photo)
NORTH NORWICH - A concerned resident’s plea for help online has resulted in an animal cruelty investigation and the seizure of dozens of animals from a North Norwich home.
On Monday, Lindsey Murphy launched a plea for help online, sharing her experiences and images of horses she said were being neglected by their owner. She contacted the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, Susquehanna SPCA and local media outlets. She said the horse had “no food, no water and no blankets.”
On Wednesday the New York State Police executed a search warrant at the residence relating to an animal cruelty investigation along Mudge King Road in North Norwich. The Chenango County Sheriff Office assisted with the investigation. Chenango County Sheriff Lt. Jeffrey Barton described the home as operating a hobby farm with a number of animals. He said police seized dozens of animals on Wednesday, including more than 20 horses, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, chickens and a pig.
He said the New York State Police were looking into possible charges pending veterinarian review. He thanked the state police for their aid in the investigation. Barton said the investigation is still open and no criminal determinations were yet made.
“We have been working on it for a few days, in conjunction with the state police. We received complaints in the last few days - the sheriff’s office, from a local resident, and we reached out to the New York State Police and others. We had to coordinate a response, vets, housing for animals, a lot of resources that go into an investigation like this needed to be worked out.”
Online, Lindsey Murphy responded to the police announcement Thursday, writing, “Amazing job that was pretty quick turnaround time on the seizure of the animals. Great job to all the volunteers rescues, and the Susquehanna SPCA especially! I received a call asking for any evidence I had from the Susquehanna SPCA on Tuesday in less than 48 hours they have the animals removed that’s truly amazing!”
Murphy contacted the Evening Sun and said she was familiar with certification for breeding horses and requirements to care for them. She estimated the farm had 47 horses earlier in the season, but now only 25 remained alive. She said they also had 12 foals this year, but several could be seen dead in the field.
On Monday she posted on Facebook, “Please know there is positive movement happening to save these animals. We need to let our local authorities handle the situation at this time.” She also wrote, “I've debated posting about this, but after speaking with the sheriff's department, I want to make sure something is done.”
She added, “Most are severely underweight, and one is left dead under a tarp. They have no shelter, as they are gated out of the barn, and no food. Horses need hay to create body heat in these temperatures. The owners had been reported multiple times in Oxford, NY, for neglect/multiple dead foals and adult horses lying in the pastures.”
Police said they would release additional information soon.
On Monday, Lindsey Murphy launched a plea for help online, sharing her experiences and images of horses she said were being neglected by their owner. She contacted the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, Susquehanna SPCA and local media outlets. She said the horse had “no food, no water and no blankets.”
On Wednesday the New York State Police executed a search warrant at the residence relating to an animal cruelty investigation along Mudge King Road in North Norwich. The Chenango County Sheriff Office assisted with the investigation. Chenango County Sheriff Lt. Jeffrey Barton described the home as operating a hobby farm with a number of animals. He said police seized dozens of animals on Wednesday, including more than 20 horses, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, chickens and a pig.
He said the New York State Police were looking into possible charges pending veterinarian review. He thanked the state police for their aid in the investigation. Barton said the investigation is still open and no criminal determinations were yet made.
“We have been working on it for a few days, in conjunction with the state police. We received complaints in the last few days - the sheriff’s office, from a local resident, and we reached out to the New York State Police and others. We had to coordinate a response, vets, housing for animals, a lot of resources that go into an investigation like this needed to be worked out.”
Online, Lindsey Murphy responded to the police announcement Thursday, writing, “Amazing job that was pretty quick turnaround time on the seizure of the animals. Great job to all the volunteers rescues, and the Susquehanna SPCA especially! I received a call asking for any evidence I had from the Susquehanna SPCA on Tuesday in less than 48 hours they have the animals removed that’s truly amazing!”
Murphy contacted the Evening Sun and said she was familiar with certification for breeding horses and requirements to care for them. She estimated the farm had 47 horses earlier in the season, but now only 25 remained alive. She said they also had 12 foals this year, but several could be seen dead in the field.
On Monday she posted on Facebook, “Please know there is positive movement happening to save these animals. We need to let our local authorities handle the situation at this time.” She also wrote, “I've debated posting about this, but after speaking with the sheriff's department, I want to make sure something is done.”
She added, “Most are severely underweight, and one is left dead under a tarp. They have no shelter, as they are gated out of the barn, and no food. Horses need hay to create body heat in these temperatures. The owners had been reported multiple times in Oxford, NY, for neglect/multiple dead foals and adult horses lying in the pastures.”
Police said they would release additional information soon.
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