SPCA Rescues Farm Animals, Dogs from Orchard Park Property; Police Say Many Farm Animals Were In One Trailer
August 8, 2022
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
UPDATE, August 12: Orchard Park Police have released further details and photos on this cruelty case. On August 11, the Orchard Park Police posted the following on their Facebook page:
“On 8/7/22 Officers responded to a trespass complaint in the area of 2799 Southwestern Blvd. Upon arrival officers located a vehicle on the property to the southeast of 2799 Southwestern Blvd. Along with the vehicle, a makeshift trailer was also located on the property that was housing two sheep, a cow, and a horse in deplorable conditions. There was no food or water present and the animals could not lie down due to the confined space. The animals were living in their own waste, and appeared emaciated. The animals were left unattended in the enclosed trailer in close to 90 degree weather.
The owner of the property was contacted and advised this department that no one should be on the property nor should any animals be present. Officers contacted the Erie County SPCA who responded to assist with seizing the animals and getting them medical attention. Shawn Hirschbine, age 48, and his girlfriend Deanna Huff, age 62 did appear on scene in an attempt to take possession of the animals. After refusing officer’s commands, Shawn Hirschbine began physically resisting officers and was taken into custody. In total, a cow, horse, chicken, two sheep, and four dogs were seized by the SPCA.
Shawn Hirschbine was arrested and charged with:
Trespass Penal Law 140.05
Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd; Penal Law 195.05
Resisting Arrest; Penal Law 205.30
Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree; Penal Law 145.00-03
Confinement of a companion animal in extreme heat; Agriculture and Markets 353D
Neglect of an Animal; Agriculture and Markets 356
Failure to Provide Sustenance for Animals; Agriculture and Markets 353
Deanna Huff was arrested and charged with:
Confinement of a companion animal in extreme heat; Agriculture and Markets 353D
Neglect of an Animal; Agriculture and Markets 356
Both defendants were released on appearance tickets with a future court date of August 25th, 2022 at 5 p.m.
The Orchard Park Police Department would like to thank The SPCA Serving Erie County, NY and Erie County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit for their help in this case.”
SPCA Serving Erie County officers were called by Orchard Park Police to a property in Orchard Park Sunday afternoon, where dogs, sheep, a chicken, a cow, and a horse were found. Police informed SPCA officers that most of the animals were found inside of a cramped trailer (the animals had been removed from the trailer upon the SPCA’s arrival).
The SPCA is working with Orchard Park Police on pending animal cruelty charges. At the time of this writing, none of the nine animals have been surrendered to the SPCA.
The SPCA extends its thanks to Orchard Park Police and to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Reserve Division for their work and their commitment to assisting in the rescue of these animals, who were examined and are being assessed and cared for at an undisclosed location.
Because this is an open investigation, further details are not available at this time. Please keep watching YourSPCA.org for further updates.