Police: 112 sick and injured animals seized from alleged breeder in Goshen
A total of 112 animals were taken from an alleged breeder during a search warrant and investigation dubbed “Operation Cotton Tail.”
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An animal abuse probe in the Town of Goshen led to the seizure of more than 100 malnourished and sick animals this week.
The animals, including chickens, guinea hens and bunnies, were found in feces-covered cages in a garage and back deck of a home on Scotchtown Avenue in Goshen on Tuesday, according to Town of Goshen police.
“It was a typical hoarding type of situation,” says Warwick Valley Humane Society President Suzyn Barron. “We’re dealing with lice, ear mites, overgrown teeth, nails and emaciation.
A total of 112 animals were taken from an alleged breeder during a search warrant and investigation dubbed “Operation Cotton Tail.” Officials say they received a complaint from a neighbor and that the owner was in violation of town code for having too many animals on the residential property.
The Warwick Valley Humane Society is caring for the animals. Rescuers say some of them are hurt and sick, and that many of them have lice.
“Feces was piled 12 to 14 inches high in some of the enclosures. The enclosures were very makeshift. They were living on wire. The bowls they used for several rabbits were miniature bowls that were empty and disgusting,” says Barron.
Town of Goshen police say the animals’ owner has not been charged but remains under investigation.
“When I was there, they were all sitting up huddled together whereas here you’ll notice they’re relaxing and spread out,” says Barron. “It’s a wonderful change to see for them.”
Barron says their care is expected to cost thousands of dollars until a judge decides if they can be adopted and that food, hay and funds for veterinary care are desperately needed.
If you’d like to help, visit https://wvhumane.org/.
