Woman arraigned on animal cruelty charges

BELCHERTOWN –  Eastern Hampshire District Judge Bruce Melikian Thursday prohibited a Hadley woman from possessing any farm animals after she pleaded not guilty to 35 felony counts of animal cruelty.

Shannon Rice-Nichols was charged in connection with an investigation into neglect and malnourishment of goats and cows at an Amherst farm where she had been boarding her animals. The probe was launched in March following a request from an animal welfare officer for the town of Amherst.

Amherst Police, the MSPCA and the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources’ Division of Animal Health conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Northwestern Assistant District Attorneys Erin Aiello and Matthew Russo, attorney-in-charge at Eastern Hampshire District Court.

At the arraignment Thursday, Judge Melikian ordered Rice-Nichols released on personal recognizance with additional conditions that she stay away from Thistlebloom Farm, where the animals had boarded.

Rice-Nichols was represented in court by defense attorney Marissa Elkins.

As the result of their conditions, one cow and two goats had to be euthanized. The MSPCA offered up for adoption eight head of Kerry cattle, a Holstein cow and 22 goats.

“Every animal deserves to live in an environment free from cruelty and neglect,” said ADA Aiello.

Animal cruelty charges are punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.

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Criminal charges are based on probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.