Farmington Man Charged With Aggravated Animal Cruelty After Puppy Death

James R. Kinney, a 66-year-old man from Farmington, New York, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after his 2½-month-old female Collie mix puppy named Goose died from blunt force trauma to her rib cage, which lacerated her liver. Kinney initially claimed that a neighbor had poisoned the dog, but a necropsy conducted by Cornell University confirmed there were no signs of poisoning. Witnesses reported seeing Kinney dragging the puppy by her leash, causing her to scream, which contributed to the charges. Deputies from the Ontario County Sheriff's Office worked with the Ontario County Humane Society in the investigation, and two domestic shorthair cats were also seized from Kinney's residence for evaluation. Kinney is expected to appear in Farmington Town Court to answer to the charges. The case highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to address and prosecute animal cruelty incidents.