BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Cheektowaga woman was arraigned on animal cruelty charges related to allegedly having over 150 farm and domestic animals at her property on Colton Street, the Erie County District Attorney’s office said Wednesday.
Kerisa J. Schmitt, 24, is accused of having the animals, which were found on Dec. 14. The 156 animals, which included 117 chickens, 18 ducks and geese, 15 rabbits, two goats, two dogs, one cat and one pig, were found malnourished in unsanitary conditions and had not gotten necessary food and water.
She was charged with 154 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and 154 counts of failure to provide proper food and drink to impounded animals.
A “no animal” order was issued, which prevents her from owning or caring for any animals while her case is pending. On Wednesday, Schmitt surrendered five animals that remained in her possession.
She was released on her own recognizance and will return to court on Feb. 29. If convicted, she faces up to one year in jail.