The founder of an animal sanctuary is facing a felony charge of larceny after police say she stole cows from a property in Niagara County.

According to a written release from the New York State Police, troopers from the Lockport barracks were called to Asha's Farm Sanctuary located at 2969 Coomer Road in Newfane, New York on Monday, July 25, 2022.

The State Police says that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the owner of the cows had approached the founder of the sanctuary for return of the cows but, according to the account from police, the request to return the cows was denied by 59-year-old Tracy A. Murphy of Newfane, New York, identified as the president and founder of the sanctuary.

Cows Photo Credit: New York State Police (August 2022)
Cows Photo Credit: New York State Police (August 2022)
loading...

"The Bureau of Criminal Investigation collaborated with the Niagara County SPCA, Niagara County District Attorney’s Office and the Town of Newfane Offices resulting in a warrant execution to retrieve the cows from Asha’s Farm Sanctuary and the arrest of Murphy," according to police.

Troopers located the cows and returned them to the owner.

Cows Photo Credit: New York State Police (August 2022) (original photo cropped)
Cows Photo Credit: New York State Police (August 2022) (original photo cropped)
loading...

On Tuesday, August 2, 2022 Murphy was arrested and sent to the Niagara County Jail pending arraignment.

She is facing a charge of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.

Anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigation is encouraged to call police.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE:   This post is for informational purposes and is based largely on information received from the New York State Police.  Regardless of any statements or photographs regarding potential evidence presented or accusations alleged, the reader is reminded that all suspects and arrested persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.  At the time of this posting no additional information is available.]

10 Actors Who Adopted Animals From Movie And Sets

DEC Rescues 7 Animals in 20 Days

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation rescues humans lost or hurt while hiking, boating or just enjoying the great outdoors. But they also rescue the animals that call the outdoors home. Officers have rescued 7 animals in the last 20 days alone.

White/Albino Animals

Have you ever seen one of these in the wild? Some can be found here in New York State.

Animals Rescued from Horrific Conditions, Upstate Couple Charged

Harvey Martz and Laurie Murray were arrested and charged with a number of crimes against animals for abandoning several dogs, cats and goats on a property where they used to live. The animals were found in horrific conditions in the town of Ephratah in Fulton County.

More From 96.1 The Eagle