Lollypop Farm Brings Charges Against Rochester Man Following Investigation Into Animal Cruelty Allegations

Fairport, N.Y. – Allen P. Peters of Rochester, N.Y. has been charged with torturing and injuring an animal/failure to provide sustenance, a misdemeanor under section 353 of New York State Agriculture and Markets law following an investigation conducted by Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester. If convicted, Peters faces a penalty of up to one year imprisonment and potential fines.

In February, Peters presented a cat confined to a carrier to staff at Lollypop Farm. Upon inspecting the carrier, staff noticed an overwhelming odor and discovered that the carrier was covered in feces, urine, food, fur, and other debris. Peters admitted to staff that he had kept the cat enclosed in its carrier for two months because it had refused to use its litter box, leading in the involvement of humane investigators.

Following a review of the evidence and subsequent contact with Peters, he confirmed the same account to investigators. He was later located and charged in connection with the incident.

“This case reflects the serious harm that can result from prolonged neglect,” said Reno DiDomenico, Vice President for Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm. “No animal should be confined to a space so small that it cannot move freely or forced to live in unsanitary conditions for an extended period of time. Situations like this underscore the importance of humane law enforcement and the role our investigators play in protecting animals and ensuring accountability.”

Lollypop Farm remains dedicated to protecting animals throughout the region and urges community members to report suspected cases of animal cruelty or neglect by calling the Humane Law Enforcement line at (585) 223-6500.

Lollypop Farm continues to advance policies that strengthen protections for animals across New York State by addressing gaps in current law and supporting tools that enable earlier intervention in cases of suspected cruelty or neglect. Through ongoing advocacy efforts, the organization works alongside lawmakers, law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders to promote commonsense legislation focused on prevention, accountability, and improved outcomes for animals. These efforts are critical to ensuring that humane investigators have the authority and resources needed to act before situations escalate and to hold individuals accountable when harm occurs. Community support is critical to this work. Lollypop Farm encourages community members to stay informed, advocate for stronger protections, and contact their elected officials to support legislation that safeguards animals and holds abusers accountable.

To discover how Lollypop Farm is impacting the Greater Rochester region through life- saving animal care, essential services, advocacy efforts, and impactful educational programming, or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.lollypop.org.