Rochester Man Charged With Keeping Farm Animals In Deplorable Conditions

ROCHESTER (CBS) – A Rochester man was arrested after police found 23 animals, including pigs, cows and goats, living in what they call deplorable conditions.

After a state required animal and barn inspection on Walnut Plain Road in Rochester, an animal control officer discovered a farm with "deplorable conditions and sick and dead animals."

As a result, Rochester Police officers were granted a warrant to search the property.

Investigators discovered 21 animals – dogs, pigs cows, goats and rabbits – living on the farm without adequate food and shelter. Police said the animals were housed in pens that were filled with mud, garbage and feces.

Two unlicensed dogs were also found at the farm.

"I could not believe the conditions I saw at this location, it was horrendous." Police Chief Paul Magee said.

Daniel Pacheco was arrested and charged with 21 counts of animal cruelty, a felony. Police said each count carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison.

Pacheco agreed to surrender the animals following his arrest.

Police said the animals all appeared to be malnourished and many were sick. One baby cow was found dead on the farm and other animals were determined to be near death.

Pigs were being fed garbage that police said did not appear to have been cooked first, which is required by law.

A livestock dealer took all the animals except the pigs from the farm and will attempt to nurse them back to health.

The pigs were quarantined for health reasons and will not be removed until a blood test is completed.

Pacheco was released on personal recognizance and was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Wareham District Court.