Lollypop Farm Announces Numerous Arrests

Fairport, N.Y. – Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has announced animal cruelty charges against several individuals following separate investigations conducted by its Humane Law Enforcement team across the Greater Rochester region. The cases involve allegations of severe neglect, prolonged suffering, and malnourishment, highlighting the critical role of animal cruelty investigations in safeguarding vulnerable animals and holding offenders accountable.

James L. Reynolds of 775 Ridge Road in Webster, N.Y., was charged with Torturing and Injuring Animals, a misdemeanor under Section 353 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. The charge stems from Reynolds leaving his dog inside his car while at work where it ultimately passed away. A necropsy report confirmed the dog’s cause of death was heat stroke.

Bonnie and Timothy Schwingle of 62 Bellmawr Drive in Chili, N.Y., were each charged with Torturing and Injuring Animals and Failure to Provide Proper Food and Drink to an Impounded Animal, violating Sections 353 and 356 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. The charges are the result of an investigation that led to 75 animals being seized from their residence.

Minnie Brown of 114 Green Knolls Drive in Rochester, N.Y., was charged with Failure to Provide Sustenance and Abandonment, both misdemeanors under Sections 353 and 355 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. Brown attempted to dispose of an injured dog in a dumpster. During the investigation, Brown admitted that the dog had sustained its wound several weeks beforehand and that she believed it was deceased. The dog was seized and treated for its injuries.

John Goings of 87 Sherman Street in Rochester, N.Y., was charged with Failure to Provide Sustenance, a misdemeanor under Section 353 of New York State Agriculture and Market Law, after an investigation revealed a severely malnourished dog at the residence. The dog was seized, evaluated, and received veterinary care at Lollypop Farm.

A Rochester resident was charged with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a felony under Section 353-a of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, after Brighton Animal Hospital contacted humane investigators regarding severe injuries to a cat. An ensuing investigation revealed that the cat had sustained a femoral head fracture and ultimately required a leg amputation after having been kicked.

“Every day, our team is working to build cases that will ensure we’re holding individuals accountable for their actions,” said Reno DiDomenico, Vice President of Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm. “We remain committed to protecting animals. Every animal deserves to be treated with respect, have access to adequate food and water, shelter, and care. These cases are a reminder of preventable scenarios happening within our community. We encourage anyone who witnesses suspected abuse or neglect to report it so investigators can intervene before an animal suffers.”