Harpersfield Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

HARPERSFIELD — A 64-year-old Harpersfield man was charged with 12 counts of animal cruelty after "an urgent rescue of animals" on Dec. 31, according to a press release from the New York State Police.

The Susquehanna Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)  and New York State Police removed several small animals from a residence near the intersection of O'Dell Lake Road and state Route 23 in the town of Harpersfield.

Three geese, three chickens, five cats, a pig and eight domestic rats were removed after authorities received a report the previous day from some  "good samaritans.”

The SQSPCA called the state police, which, after checking the property Tuesday, “felt compelled” to take further action. Troopers went out with the SQSPCA Wednesday for the rescue. As of Wednesday morning, the animals were undergoing medical treatment, and that information would be reported later to the state police for further investigation.

Joseph R. Wyble Jr., 64, of Harpersfield, was charged under the Agriculture and Markets law with 12 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and failure to provide proper sustenance, a misdemeanor. He was issued appearance  tickets to appear in the Harpersfield Town Court on Jan. 26.