Two residents of West Suffield are facing animal cruelty charges after more than 30 goats were found dead last month and dozens more were malnourished, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
Farm owners Tara Bryson, 40, and Michael Hearl, 43, of West Suffield, are each facing 63 counts of animal cruelty.
Officials said more than 30 goats were found emaciated at Butterfield Farm on Hautboy Hill Road in Cornwall on Jan. 16. The other half of the herd was already dead.
The Department of Agriculture seized the malnourished goats and brought them to an animal rehabilitation facility in Niantic.
Bryson and Hearl are accused of failing to provide proper food, water and shelter to their herd of goats.
State officials said "the inadequate care left the goats unable to maintain a healthy body weight needed for growth and maintenance" and also took a toll on their "ability to handle cold weather, resist parasites and disease and deal with other stressful conditions such as pregnancy."
Bryson was arrested Thursday in West Suffield and was released after posting $60,000 bond. Hearl turned himself in to Suffield police on Friday, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
Bryson and Hearl could each face up to 63 years in prison and be ordered to pay a $63,000 fine.
