100+ animals removed from filthy farm

AURORA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Almost 100 animals, many of them living in filthy conditions, have been removed from a local farm. Will the owner be charged with animal cruelty?

It's definitely a case of suspected animal cruelty. In fact, the SPCA is still on the scene removing some horses. It's being called the largest big animal rescue in the last decade for the local agency.

Horses living in horrible conditions, some of Beth Hoskins 73 horses are rescued from her town of Aurora horse farm.

"There are feces climbing the walls, feces all over the floor of the stables. There's feces in the water dishes, feces in the food bowl, and some of the horses have feces covering them," said SPCA spokesperson Gina Browning.

In addition to the horses, 53 cats and four dogs are also being taken from the property.

"The allegation is the animals are unkempt. We would certainly dispute that, but Ms. Hoskins really wants to work with the law enforcement and SPCA to make sure there are safe conditions for any of the animals," said attorney Barry Covert.

This is not the first time the SPCA has been to Hoskins horse farm.

Browning said, "We were here in years past. We were here as recently as two years ago. The conditions were very different. There was a question as to whether the horses were ever turned out or let outside."

That, in and of itself, is not a crime, but neighbors and horse lovers who showed up after the story broke expressed concern.

“Surprises me. Totally surprised me. I know her, somewhat. Nice enough lady and I know she breeds more and this surprises me that she’s not taking care of them, according to what they’re saying,” said neighbor Steve Eilrich.

Numerous trailers are being utilized to bring the horses to safe and sanitary conditions.

“The care taking situation is, we know there’s a care taking situation. The conditions are still unsanitary and in New York State, unsanitary conditions constitutes animal cruelty,” said Browning.

No charges have been filed at this point. For the SPCA, this could be a big financial burden. The SPCA estimates it could cost as much as $30,000 just to start to care for all of those horses for one month.