Current Press Releases

Dairy Goat Association President Charged with Cruelty to Animals for Killing Goats with Hammer, Among Other Abuses

Albany, NY- January 28, 2004 - Daniel Considine, President of the Dairy Goat Association, has been charged with felony mistreatment of animals for allegedly killing baby goats with a claw hammer, performing a caesarian section without anesthesia, and lighting a goat on fire before cutting the animal's throat. Mr. Considine claims he did nothing wrong, but written statements from four witnesses detail his alleged abuses.

"Setting a fully conscious goat on fire and cutting open an un-anesthetized goat, as Daniel Considine is accused of doing, are violent crimes as serious as those perpetrated against someone's companion dog," says David Cantor of Farm Sanctuary's Investigations Department. "I am shocked at the suffering described by those who called us." Cantor is following the allegations against Considine since several witnesses claiming to have observed him abuse goats first filed written complaints with Farm Sanctuary in November 2003.

Regarding efforts by other goat breeders to defend Considine, Cantor says, "They haven't read the statements or spoken to the witnesses, as far as I can tell. They appear to be saying anyone who is a prominent goat breeder or makes money off of goats cannot be a goat abuser. Nothing is further from the truth. Farm Sanctuary often receives complaints of cruelty to animals by their owners."

Cantor says the sheriff and district attorney have done an excellent job in the Considine case, and praises District Attorney Jane E. Kohlwey for standing by the charges. "Our anti-cruelty laws exist for a reason," Cantor says. "Police and prosecutors who enforce them provide a crucial service. No civilized society can tolerate cruelty to farm animals."

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.