Sandy Creek, N.Y. — About 150 animals in poor conditions and in need of medical attention were rescued from a property in Oswego County, according to the Oswego County SPCA.
The rescue in the town of Sandy Creek on Friday ultimately involved a mix of domestic, livestock and exotic animals — including horses, cows, chickens, cats, guinea pigs, birds and reptiles — making it one of the largest multi-species rescues in the organization’s history, the SPCA said in a news release.
Around 9:30 a.m., the Oswego County SPCA said rescuers began removing animals from the property in the town of Sandy Creek. Early reports from the organization indicated more than 60 animals were involved, but that number has since grown as crews continued assessing the property and documenting the full scope of the rescue, the group said.
“This is probably one of the worst rescues our organization has ever been on,” the group said in a video posted to its Facebook page.
Jeffrey D. Zehr, 44, of Pulaski, was arrested and charged with torturing or injuring animals and failure to provide proper sustenance, both misdemeanors, according to State Police arrest records.
Police, SPCA volunteers and others helping encountered complex and concerning conditions on the property and worked to triage animals with a wide range of immediate needs, according to the SPCA. Some of the animals required urgent medical care, including pregnant mares in need of safe housing.
The rescue effort involved the State Police and multiple animal welfare organizations, including North Country Veterinary Services, Oswego City Animal Shelter, All Creatures Big and Small Pet Rescue, Oswego Humane Society and Kirkville Animal Rescue and Education.
“This was an extremely difficult and labor-intensive undertaking for everyone involved,” said Tanya Semchenko, president of the Oswego County SPCA. “Our volunteers were faced with an overwhelming number of animals across many species, each with different immediate needs.”
The SPCA, which is based in Fulton, said it is continuing to evaluate, house and place the animals, and the final number of animals may still change.
State Police declined to release details about the number of animals seized or their conditions, citing an ongoing investigation.
In 2019, Zehr was charged in Jefferson County after troopers reported finding sick and dead animals on a farm in the town of Lorraine.
The SPCA said they are looking for support for immediate needs including:
Monetary donations
Gift cards for feed, farm supply, pet supply, and veterinary related purchases
Dog and cat food
Livestock feed and grain
Hay and straw
Bird seed and bird care supplies
Reptile supplies
Foster homes for appropriate species as placements are organized
Emergency veterinary sponsorships
The Oswego County SPCA is accepting donations through its website.
