59 Animals Removed From Washington County Properties, Man Charged

60 Animals Rescued in Washington County

Another disturbing animal cruelty case is being investigated in the Capital Region, this time involving nearly 60 animals allegedly found in poor conditions at two properties in Washington County.

According to Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy, deputies arrested 66-year-old Jerry A. Mattison of Hebron on Tuesday, August 18th, following an animal maltreatment investigation.

Investigators executed search warrants at properties on Chamberlain Mills Road and County Route 31 in the Town of Hebron.

Jeffrey Photo: Google Maps

Needed a Massive Effort to Remove the Animals

Working alongside veterinarians, volunteers, and animal welfare organizations, investigators removed 59 animals from the two properties:

• 18 horses
• 13 cattle
• 11 chickens
• 9 quail
• 6 dogs
• 2 goats

According to the Sheriff's Office, veterinarians determined the animals were in failing health due to inadequate food and water, poor living conditions, and a lack of shelter.

33 Charges in Total

Mattison was charged with 33 counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.

Jeffrey Mattison of Hebron, NY faces multiple counts of animal cruelty. Photo: WCSO

He was issued an appearance ticket for Hebron Town Court.

Authorities say Mattison was also arraigned separately in Washington County Court on an alleged probation violation stemming from an unrelated case. He is currently supervised by the Washington County Probation Department.

The charges are allegations, and Mattison is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Have a news tip, correction, update, or story you think we should know about? Email me at brian@wgna.com.

Witness Animal Cruelty?

If you witness suspected animal cruelty or believe an animal is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or an appropriate animal welfare agency.

In 2010, the Albany County Legislature established the Animal Abuser Registry through Local Law K. The registry, managed by the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, was created to help protect animals and provide information to the public.

According to the registry, those listed have been convicted of animal cruelty and are prohibited from owning, possessing, residing with, or intentionally having physical contact with an animal.