(WNY News Now) – PANAMA, N.Y. – A Niobe Road resident is facing animal cruelty charges after an investigation into the neglect of several ducks.

On February 2, 2025, at approximately 11:56 a.m., deputies responded to a report of animal cruelty on Niobe Road in Panama, New York. Following an investigation, authorities determined that Heather Carlson, 39, had sold five ducks that were in poor condition due to neglect.

Tragically, two of the ducks died before receiving medical attention. The remaining three were in such deteriorated health that they had to be euthanized.

Carlson was charged under Agriculture & Markets Law 353 for overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, as well as failure to provide proper sustenance. She was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of North Harmony Court at a later date.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.