NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) — A Hadley woman has been sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to three counts of animal cruelty. The charges stem from the seizure of nine cows and 22 goats from an Amherst farm, where Shannon Rice-Nichols was responsible for their care.
Rice-Nichols expressed remorse for her actions and acknowledged that her negligence resulted in the deaths of two cows and a goat. The plea agreement prohibits Rice-Nichols from working with livestock and requires her to complete an animal rehabilitation curriculum.
According to Assistant District Attorney Erin Aiello, the animals were found in poor condition, malnourished, and living in unsanitary conditions. The case involved multiple state agencies and cost thousands of dollars to handle the animals.
Rice-Nichols’ attorney, Zoe Zeichner, stated that her client regrets not seeking help sooner and accepting responsibility for the situation. She described the events leading to Rice-Nichols’ arrest as a series of failures in her life.
Beyond the suffering of the animals, the case has drawn attention to the need for proper animal care and the impact of neglect on resources. The long-term probation sentence aims to ensure that Rice-Nichols cannot own, possess, or work with livestock in the future.
In the aftermath of the seizure, the MSPCA reported that all the cows had been adopted, while only half of the goats were deemed adoptable. The other half had to be euthanized due to infection. Throughout the proceedings, Rice-Nichols emphasized her deep connection to the animals and expressed her intention to work with regional stakeholders to support other farmers in need.
The plea deal with the lengthy probation term underscores the severity of the situation and the importance of holding individuals accountable for animal welfare violations in the state. As a result of the case, Rice-Nichols will not be able to own or work with livestock, serving as a warning to others about the consequences of neglecting the care of animals.
Ultimately, the case highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent animal cruelty and protect the well-being of livestock in Massachusetts.