LOLLYPOP FARM ANNOUNCES NUMEROUS ARRESTS FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN GREATER ROCHESTER REGION

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 Goins 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.

“We remain committed to protecting animals and holding those who inflict harm accountable for their actions,” said Reno DiDomenico, Vice President of Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm. “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.”

Lollypop Farm’s humane law enforcement team remains at the front lines of animal welfare. To date, humane investigators have received nearly 2,000 calls to Lollypop Farm’s animal cruelty hotline, seized close to 400 animals from unsafe conditions, and responded to over 1,600 calls for service, underscoring the importance of their work to protect animals.

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.

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.

About Kindness for All Kind

Construction is underway on Lollypop Farm’s Kindness for All Kind project! Together, we’re building a brighter future for animals and the people who care for them throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond. This visionary project will create a safe haven for animals in need, offer compassion to those seeking help, and provide unwavering support to the community and caregivers who make second chances possible every day.

Kindness for All Kind will enhance our abilities to care for animals and serve our community. The innovative project includes a new Animal Intake Center, enhanced Dog Holding Facilities, a community-focused Welcome Center, the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center, expanded farm facilities, a modernized Maintenance Barn, and a Donations and Support Center to meet the growing needs of Lollypop Farm and the community. To learn more about Kindness for All Kind, including how you can support this generational investment in compassion and community, visit lollypop.org/kindness or contact Cathie Wright, Vice President of Donor Relations, at (585) 223-1330 ext. 245 or at wright@lollypop.org.

About Lollypop Farm

Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With its main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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