CORNWALL – Multiple charges of animal cruelty have been filed against the owners of a Cornwall goat dairy farm where inspectors from the Department of Agriculture seized dozens of malnourished goats last month.
Tara Bryson, 40, and Michael Hearl, 43, of West Suffield, are each facing 63 counts of cruelty to animals stemming from the Jan. 16 seizure at their Butterfield Farm cheese-making operation on Hautboy Hill Road in Cornwall. They are accused of failing to properly feed, water and provide access to appropriate shelter for the herd of both mature and younger goats, most of which were found to be emaciated.
The inadequate care left the goats unable to maintain a healthy body weight needed for growth and maintenance, according to the state Dept. of Agriculture.
The conditions also compromised the animals’ ability to handle cold weather, resist parasites and disease and to deal with other stressful conditions such as pregnancy.
Bryson was arrested Thursday in West Suffield, and is free after posting a $60,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in Bantam Superior Court on March 10.
Hearl turned himself in to Suffield police Friday and was to be arraigned later in Bantam Superior Court.
“This was an extremely complicated case that presented unique challenges both in handling the goats and in investigating the actions of their owners,” agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky said. “But this case also demonstrates that our department has no tolerance for the abuse and neglect of animals, and will do whatever it takes to hold accountable anyone who does not fulfill their responsibilities to livestock or pets in their care. I look forward to the resolution of this matter by our judicial system.”
The agriculture department has been granted ownership of the goats, which continue to recover at its large-animal rehabilitation facility in Niantic under the care of State Veterinarian Dr. Mary J. Lis.
Each of the animal cruelty charges carries a maximum penalty of a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Related Links:
