A Farmington man has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty following the death of a 2½-month-old Collie mix puppy, according to a joint investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and the Ontario County Humane Society.
James R. Kinney, 66, of 60 Coach Light Circle, was arrested after authorities determined that the puppy, named Goose, had died from blunt force trauma—not poisoning, as Kinney had initially claimed.
On April 17 at approximately 11:15 a.m., Kinney contacted the 911 Center alleging that a neighbor had poisoned his dog, which he found deceased on his kitchen floor. Deputies and humane society officers responded to the scene and secured the animal for further investigation.
The following day, the puppy underwent a necropsy conducted by the Animal Health Diagnostic Lab at Cornell University. The examination revealed that Goose had sustained fatal injuries, including a lacerated liver caused by trauma to her rib cage. Toxicology results showed no signs of poisoning.
Further evidence emerged when witnesses reported seeing Kinney dragging the puppy by her leash, causing her to scream. Based on these accounts and the necropsy findings, authorities charged Kinney with aggravated cruelty to animals.
Two domestic shorthair cats were also removed from Kinney’s home and are currently being evaluated at a local shelter.
Kinney is expected to appear in Farmington Town Court at a later date to face the charges.
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