Clarence Couple Arraigned on Animal Cruelty Charges

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Brittany Farley, 28, of Clarence Center, and Nicholas G. Hatswell, 26, of Clarence Center, were arraigned on Tuesday evening before Clarence Town Court Justice Michael B. Powers. Each were arraigned on two counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class "A" misdemeanors under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law). Farley was arraigned on an additional charge of one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class "E" felony under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).

It is alleged that on December 26, 2024, New York State Police responded to a home on Northfield Road in the Town of Clarence Center for a welfare check call. During the investigation, troopers found an adult male dog with untreated stab wounds to its neck and abdomen. Investigators allegedly found a second female dog inside of a bedroom. The second adult dog was allegedly found malnourished without access to food and water. A third dog, a puppy, was allegedly found with an untreated eye injury. Due to living conditions inside of the home and the defendant's alleged failure to seek veterinary treatment for the injured animals, investigators seized a total of six dogs and two cats from the residence.

Farley and Hatswell are scheduled to return on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for further proceedings. Both were released on their own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail. A temporary "no animal" order was issued for both defendants while the case is pending prosecution.

If convicted of the highest charge, Farley faces up to two years in prison. If convicted of the charges, Hatswell faces a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail.

DA Keane commends the New York State Police and the Town of Clarence Dog Control Officers for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Felony Trials Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.