A husband and wife from Brant who failed to provide necessary care for more than 200 farm animals were recently sentenced. Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane says 78-year-old Donald George was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years probation, while 75-year-old Bonnie George received a sentence of 15 days in jail and two years probation. In addition, the two are prohibited from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals. The sentence on September 14th comes after the couple pleaded guilty in June to two counts of overdriving, torturing or injuring animals under New York Ag & 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 November 19, 2025, SPCA investigators conducted an inspection at the Georges' farm on Brant-Farnham Road, where they observed neglected animals and unsanitary conditions. The following day, SPCA investigators executed a search warrant at the property and seized a total of 216 animals.
The Georges 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 dead 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 never been located.
