(WNY News Now) – SILVER CREEK, NY — A Chautauqua County man is facing animal cruelty charges after deputies discovered a horse living without adequate shelter on his property in Silver Creek.
According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of animal cruelty on Angell Road around 2:00 p.m. on October 22, 2025. Following an investigation, authorities determined that Ryan Smith, 40, was keeping a horse on his property without providing sufficient protection from the elements.
The horse has since been safely relocated to a local animal rescue, officials said.
Smith was charged under New York Agriculture and Markets Law §353, which prohibits overdriving, torturing, injuring animals, and failing to provide proper sustenance. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Hanover Town 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.
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