BRANDON, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont man was arraigned on animal cruelty charges after police found about 220 animals at his home, including dogs, cats and goats.
William Hegarty, 54, of Brandon, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to two counts of cruelty to animals by depriving them of food, water and sufficient shelter, the Rutland Herald reported. The charges stem from a cat found in a hole in a wall and a Welsh pony that veterinarians said was lame.
About 120 animals were seized from the property, but about 100 fowl were still on the property, according to an affidavit.
Hegarty’s attorney, Peter Langrock, said his client was cooperating with the state.
“There’s not an unkind thought these people have against their animals,” Langrock said. “They just got overwhelmed.”
Hagerty was released without bail, but he was ordered not to possess any animals.
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