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Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced this week that Bonnie L. George, 75, and Donald L. George, 78, both of Brant, were sentenced yesterday evening before Evans Town Court Justice Dennis P. Glascott.
Donald George was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 2 years' probation and $2,500 in restitution to the SPCA Serving Erie County. Bonnie George was sentenced to 15 days in jail and 2 years' probation. As a condition of their sentence, our prosecutor requested that the Court impose a lifetime securing order that prohibits the defendants from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals. Glascott granted that condition.
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 Nov. 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. 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.
In June, 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).
Keane commends SPCA Chief Officer Lindsey Wood, former SPCA Senior Officer Melina Restivo and the SPCA Serving Erie County Cruelty Division for their work in this investigation. 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.