NY Farmer Sentenced For Abusing, Neglecting Pigs

by Maria A. Schulz

A farmer who left 128 pigs to starve and freeze to death at his Cattaraugus County, NY farm last December was sentenced on July 17 after pleading guilty to nine counts of cruelty to animals.

Nine of the abused pigs had been found in such deplorable condition that they had to be euthanized after authorities seized them from farmer Jerry Nason last winter. The surviving 119 pigs were given refuge at Farm Sanctuary. All of those pigs have now been placed in permanent, loving homes.

Farm Sanctuary, the local SPCA, and animal rights activists urged the judge to punish Nason with the maximum penalties allowed for this crime.

Sentencing took place in the Town of Ashford, following recommendations from the Cattaraugus County Probation Department and after receiving a deluge of letters from concerned citizens from around the country.

The judge ruled that Nason must serve three years of probation, which stipulates that he cannot own or harbor animals during that time; he cannot drink, and he cannot own firearms.

He must also complete 1,000 hours of community service, undergo a mental competency exam, and comply with any conditions the agency recommends.

According to the judge, any violation of his probation will result in an automatic jail sentence.

In addition, Nason must pay approximately $3,000 restitution for the first month that he refused to surrender the pigs.

After his 3-year probation, Nason can acquire an animal only after completing an animal care course approved by the Cattaraugus County SPCA.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.