Brittany Farley and Nicholas Hatswell, residents of Clarence Center, are facing several charges after a welfare check found that the animals in their care were ill and mistreated, including a dog that had been stabbed in the neck (WNY News Now).
Clarence A pair from the NYA Clarence Center was charged with animal abuse after New York State Police made a startling discovery on December 26, 2024. Under the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, Brittany Farley, 28, and Nicholas Hatswell, 26, were each charged with two counts of failing to provide proper sustenance and overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals. Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Class E felony, is another charge against Farley.
The New York State Police made the charges after performing a welfare check at a home on Northfield Road in the Town of Clarence Center. Officers discovered an adult male dog with untreated stab wounds to its neck and abdomen while conducting their investigation. Malnourished and without food or water, a second adult dog was found. A dog with an untreated eye injury was also discovered. Six dogs and two cats were taken from the house after it was determined that the conditions inside were inappropriate for the animals.
Since the accusations against Farley and Hatswell do not qualify for bail, they were released on their own recognizance after being arraigned before Justice Michael B. Powers of Clarence Town Court. While the lawsuit is pending, a provisional order was imposed that forbids them from owning animals. On February 4, 2025, the defendants are expected to appear in court again for additional procedures.
For the most serious offense, Farley faces a maximum term of two years in prison, while Hatswell faces a maximum sentence of one year.
Michael J. Keane, the district attorney for Erie County, praised the Town of Clarence Dog Control Officers and the New York State Police for their hard work and diligence during the investigation. Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Felony Trials Bureau is prosecuting the case.
Both suspects are deemed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, as is customary in criminal matters.