Investigation into animal neglect complaint in Town of Erin

Town of Erin, N.Y. (WETM) – 18 News has confirmed an investigation is underway into an animal neglect complaint in the Town of Erin in Chemung County. The complaint was filed against a farm property on Thayer Road that has cows and horses.

Craig Spencer, the Director of Animal Control at the Elmira Police Department, told 18 News investigators visited the property on Friday. The City of Elmira provides animal control services for the Town of Erin.

Spencer says Elmira Animal Control was notified about the property after a Facebook post showing animals on the property was shared in a group for “Erin NY & Surrounding Communities.” The post said the animals were suffering “abuse & neglect.” Some of the animals in the photos looked emaciated. The date of when the photos were taken is currently unknown.

An 18 News reporter visited the property on Monday morning. There were at least 6 horses and 9 cows on the property. It is unknown if these were the same animals shown in the post or if any emaciated animals were moved. 18 News did not see animals with obvious signs of malnourishment or abuse. We did not, however, have access to other parts of the property.

We did see a woman standing on the front lawn. I identified myself and said 18 News was investigating a complaint regarding animal neglect. I asked her if she wanted to say anything about the complaint. She declined.

18 News also reached out to the Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA , which is closed on Mondays. We left a voicemail to ask if they had received any similar complaints regarding this property.

18 News will update this developing story as more information becomes available.

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