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Farm Sanctuary Urges Prosecution of New York Woman for Animal Cruelty

Nearly 40 goats were found dead on a property in Barker, N.Y.; Farm Sanctuary offers refuge for survivors.

Watkins Glen, NY - July 18, 2007 - Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, is urging Broome County District Attorney Gerald Mollen to actively pursue animal cruelty charges against a Barker, N.Y., woman. Currently, misdemeanor charges are pending against Susan Darcy, also known as Susan Shriver, for allegedly starving to death approximately 40 goats under her care.

The deceased animals were found in various stages of decomposition on her property in March. Necropsies of seven corpses indicated they died of starvation. Three goats were found alive, emaciated and lice-ridden in a transport trailer and standing in feet of feces without access to food or water. Farm Sanctuary has offered to provide refuge and lifelong care to these survivors.

"It is crucial that this kind of appalling abuse be punished appropriately. These animals' lives are worth more than a slap on the wrist," Baur said. "Deliberately allowing the goats to slowly starve to death is torture. Their suffering may be every bit as intense as that of an animal who is a victim of more violent abuse."

Farm Sanctuary is urging that the court release the goats who survived this abuse to be allowed to live out their lives and it us urging that Darcy receive, upon conviction, a meaningful sentence including jail time, mandatory psychological counseling and a permanent ban on the ownership of 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.