UPDATE: State Police investigating animal neglect case in Watertown

UPDATE: On July 26, 2024 State Police arrested Joanne Armstrong, age 73, from Watertown, and Leroy Burnham, age 62, from Watertown, for 13 counts of Agriculture and Markets Law 353 Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance (class “A” misdemeanor). Both were processed at SP Watertown and released on appearance tickets returnable to Jefferson County CAP Court at a later date in August.

On July 1, 2024, at about 7:00 a.m., the New York State Police, Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, and Jefferson County Animal Cruelty Task Force executed a search warrant at 17037 Sandy Creek Valley Road in the town of Watertown for the purpose of investigating animal cruelty / neglect.

The search warrant was a result of a complaint regarding animal cruelty-neglect at 17037 Sandy Creek Valley Road in the town of Watertown, Jefferson County, NY. New York State Police, along with a local veterinarian, investigated and developed information that animal cruelty-neglect is occurring on that property.

The veterinarians evaluated animals on the property and provided documentation to the New York State Police as to the physical condition of each. 14 animals were removed from the site and placed in temporary care.

The investigation is continuing.