HYDE PARK — The Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department has charged a local man with multiple counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of deceased and neglected animals on his property.
Deputies responded to a complaint of alleged animal abuse on Thompson Hill Road on March 5.
After verifying evidence that substantiated claims of neglect and abuse, the sheriff’s department opened a criminal investigation.
Investigators determined the animals belonged to Johnathan Moger, 23, of Hyde Park.
Authorities discovered a substantial number of deceased animals and many uncared for animals on the property, including five goats, one pig and fourteen rabbits.
Deputies and animal control officers documented all findings and secured digital evidence.
Numerous interviews were conducted with witnesses and animal care professionals as part of the investigation.
Moger has been charged with twenty counts of animal cruelty.
He is scheduled to appear in Lamoille County Court on April 2 to answer to the charges.
