Upstate New York Man Charged With 14 Counts of Animal Cruelty

This story comes with a reader discretion warning. NY State Police have charged a Jefferson County man with several animal cruelty charges, some of which may make you use "not suitable for work" language.

There are always two sides to every story, but I can't find the other side on this one. State police were called to a property on County Route 189 in the town of Lorraine in Jefferson County because of an animal abuse complaint. They found a horse that had been dragged from one section of the property to another. It was still alive and in obvious pain. After calling a Veterinarian to the property, a month old calf was also found in extremely poor health. Both the horse and calf had to be euthanized.

Unfortunately, this story gets worse. Obtaining a search warrant Troopers searched the property and found 25 cows, 4 horses, 4 ponies, and other farm animals without proper food and water. 14 dead animal carcasses were also discovered.

Charged in the case is Jeffrey D. Zehr from Adams Center. He faces 14 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals along with failure to provide proper sustenance. Police are asking for the public's help in obtaining more information about Jeffrey Zehr and what was happening at the property. Contact State Police at (315) 366-6000 and refer to case # 9070351. All information will remain confidential.

SOURCE: NY State Police