NORTH NORWICH - Wednesday afternoon two defendants appeared in North Norwich Court to plead not guilty to dozens of charges relating to allegations of neglect and cruelty to animals on their hobby farm.

An attorney for the Susquehanna SPCA, Kate L. Ernst, said the animal care group assisted the police and are seeking more than $90,000 to cover costs for the next month from the defendants, or for them to surrender their animals.

She said past and anticipated care for the 68 animals over the next month included room and board, food, and medical care.

Following reports of neglect on January 22 the New York State Police executed a search warrant during an investigation and removed more than 60 animals from the farm on Mudge King Road including horses, sheep, goats, chickens, dogs, cats and other animals. The Chenango County Sheriff Office and Susquehanna SPCA and other groups assisted the investigation.

Additionally, police reported finding more than 12 dead animals on the property, including horses, goats, pigs, and chickens.

The NY State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, charged Fiona R. Taylor, 24, of Norwich, and Lauren M. McKendry, 47, of Norwich.

The defendants appeared for an arraignment before North Norwich Judge James E. Matott. They face 16 felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 65 misdemeanor counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals; and failure to provide proper sustenance, under New York Agriculture and Markets Laws.