Three arrested following Whitehall neglected animal investigation

On October 10, 2025, State Police arrested:

Jessica L. Austin, 43 of Granville, NY for 22 counts of Torturing or injuring Animals/Failure to provide Sustenance- Agriculture & Markets Law- 353 A

Christopher J. Mckinney, 43 of Granville for 24 counts of Torturing or injuring Animals/Failure to provide Sustenance- Agriculture & Markets Law- 353 A

Charles W. Mckinney, 81 of Granville, NY for 4 counts of Torturing or injuring Animals/Failure to provide Sustenance- Agriculture & Markets Law- 353 A

On June 12, 2025, Troopers received information reporting numerous animals that appeared neglected and in need of veterinary care on a property on State Route 40 in Whitehall, NY.  The investigation led to the executing of a search warrant on August 30, 2025, during which three animals (2 dogs, 1 cat) were found to be in poor physical condition and were seized. On September 27, 2025, due to the continued investigation 28 additional animals (8 dogs, 19 cats, and 1 canadian goose) were removed from the property due to poor physical and living conditions. The cats and dogs were turned over to the care of local veterinary offices. The canadian goose was released to the care of North Country Wild Care.

All three individuals surrendered themselves to SP Granville for processing where they were each given and appearance ticket returnable to the Whitehall Town Court on October 27, 2025.