Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Bonnie L. George, 74, and Donald L. George, 77, both of Brant, were arraigned yesterday evening before Brant Town Court Justice Chad Kaczmarek. The defendants have each been charged with one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor) and 207 counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class A misdemeanors under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).
An investigation began after a dog control officer received an anonymous complaint about animals living in unsafe conditions in the Town of Brant. The complaint was forwarded to the SPCA Serving Erie County for further investigation. It is alleged that on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, SPCA investigators conducted an inspection on the 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 are accused of failing to provide necessary food, water and care to 207 of the farm and domestic animals found on their property, which included 119 goats, 47 chickens, 18 ducks and geese, 11 cats, six sheep and six dogs. The animals were allegedly found in unsanitary conditions without proper access to food and water. Investigators also allegedly found multiple deceased animals on the property, which included goats, deer and fowl. Brant Town Court Justice Jeff Gier, who is assigned to the case, ordered the surviving animals to be forfeited to the custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County. The defendants were issued an appearance ticket.
It is further alleged that the defendants intentionally obstructed the administration of law and prevented a public servant from performing an official function. SPCA investigators allegedly observed two horses on the property during their inspection on November 19, 2025. It is alleged that upon the execution of the search warrant, the horses were no longer on the property and the defendants refused to provide information on their location, preventing investigators from performing a health and welfare check on the animals.
George and George are scheduled to return on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for a pre-trial conference before Justice Gier. Both were released on their own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail. Our office requested that the Court impose a securing order that prohibits the defendants from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals while the case is pending prosecution. A temporary securing order was imposed by the Court.
If convicted, the Georges face a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Animal Cruelty Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.