A Jefferson couple has been arrested on 39 charges involving animal abuse after State Police said they found dozens of sick and dead cats, ducks, and chickens at their Route 10 address.
Troopers also charged Jonathan Summers, 46, with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
Mr. Summers and Jennifer A. Scott were also each arrested on 39 counts of Agriculture & Market law for “overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance.”
On December 16, State Police arrested Mr. Summers, for two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
Troopers said that at about 1:55pm, they responded to a residence in Jefferson for a reported property dispute.
During the investigation, Troopers determined Mr. Summers unlawfully possessed multiple firearms.
Mr. Summerss cannot legally possess firearms in New York State due to a previous felony conviction.
The firearms were seized, and Mr. Summers was transported to Cobleskill for processing.
He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Jefferson Town Court on February 3, and released.
While at the residence during the initial investigation, Troopers observed numerous cats living in poor conditions.
They returned the following day for further investigation into the animals’ well-being.
Multiple ducks, chickens, and cats were located on the property shared by Mr. Summers and Ms. Scott.
Both claimed ownership of the animals.
The ducks and chickens were found to be in poor physical condition, with no access to food or water.
In addition, multiple deceased animals were located.
The two ducks, 15 chickens, and 22 cats were voluntarily surrendered and turned over to the care of the Susquehanna Animal Shelter and the Schoharie County Animal Shelter.
After the evaluation of the animals, Mr. Summers and Ms. Scott were arrested and transported to Cobleskill for processing.
They were issued appearance tickets returnable to the Jefferson Town Court on February 3 and released.