Couple Pleads Guilty Following Seizure of More Than 200 Animals From Brant Farm

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Bonnie L. George, 75, and Donald L. George, 77, both of Brant, pleaded guilty yesterday evening before Evans Town Court Justice Dennis P. Glascott. George and George each entered a guilty plea to two counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class A misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).

An investigation began after a dog control officer contacted the SPCA Serving Erie County after receiving an anonymous complaint about animals living in unsafe conditions in the Town of Brant. On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, SPCA investigators conducted an inspection at the defendants' farm on Brant Farnham Road where they observed neglected animals and unsanitary conditions. On Thursday, November 20, 2025, SPCA investigators executed a search warrant at the property and seized a total of 216 animals.

The defendants failed to provide necessary food, water and care to the majority of their farm and domestic animals, which included 119 goats, 47 chickens, 18 ducks and geese, 11 cats, six sheep and six dogs. The animals were found in unsanitary conditions without proper access to food and water. Investigators also found multiple deceased animals on the property, which included goats, deer and fowl. Brant Town Court Justice Jeff Gier, who previously presided over the case, ordered the surviving animals to be forfeited to the custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County.

During the investigation, the defendants intentionally obstructed the administration of law and prevented a public servant from performing an official function. SPCA investigators observed two horses on the property during their initial inspection on November 19, 2025. When the search warrant was executed the following day, the horses were no longer on the property. The defendants refused to provide information on their location, which prevented investigators from performing a health and welfare check. The horses have not been located.

The Georges face a maximum of 364 days in jail when they are sentenced on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. They remain released on their own recognizance. At the arraignment, our office requested that the Court impose a temporary securing order that prohibits the defendants from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals while the case is pending prosecution. The temporary securing order remains in place.

DA Keane commends SPCA Chief Officer Lindsey Wood, SPCA Senior Officer Melina Restivo and the SPCA Serving Erie County Cruelty Division for their work in this investigation. DA Keane also commends the SPCA Serving Erie County staff, ASPCA National Field Response Team and all who assisted in the rescue and care of the animals.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Animal Cruelty Unit.