Two charged with 39 counts of animal cruelty in Jefferson

JEFFERSON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- State police arrested two Schoharie County residents following an animal cruelty investigation. Jonathan Summers, 46, and Jennifer Scott, 44, both of Jefferson, are facing numerous charges.

On December 16, around 1:55 p.m., troopers responded to a home in Jefferson for reports of a property dispute. The initial investigation alleged that Summers, a previously convicted felon, was illegally in possession of several guns.

After state police seized the firearms, Summer was taken into custody at the scene and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He was released after being issued an appearance ticket for February 3 at Jefferson Town Court.

While at the home, troopers located numerous cats in poor health. State police returned to the residence the next day for further investigation, resulting in the discovery of multiple ducks and chickens, as well as a total of 22 sickly cats on the property shared by Summers and Scott, both of whom reportedly claimed ownership of the animals.

State police said that the ducks and chickens were also in poor condition and had no access to food or water. Troopers additionally found multiple dead animals on the property.

The 22 cats, two ducks, and 15 chickens were voluntarily surrendered into the care of the Susquehanna Animal Shelter and the Schoharie County Animal Shelter. Summers and Scott were both arrested after the animals were evaluated.

Both were charged with 39 counts of agriculture and market law - overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance. The two were issued appearance tickets for February 3 at Jefferson Town Court before being released.