Richmond farm owner accepts plea deal in animal cruelty case

RICHMOND, R.I. — A Richmond man accused of neglecting dozens of animals at his farm has resolved his animal cruelty case by accepting a plea agreement that significantly reduced the number of charges against him.

Dylan Gregory, 35, entered no contest pleas Wednesday to one count of unnecessary cruelty to animals and one count of overworking, mistreating, or failing to feed animals during a pretrial hearing.

According to court records, prosecutors dismissed the remaining 22 charges as part of the agreement, including 11 additional counts of unnecessary cruelty to animals and 11 additional counts related to the mistreatment or failure to properly feed animals.

The case stemmed from an investigation that began in January after authorities received reports alleging animals at Getaway Ranch on Bucknam Road were being neglected.

Investigators were alerted after a veterinarian euthanized an emaciated donkey from the property and reported concerns that other animals on the farm were not receiving adequate food or care.

Those concerns led authorities to obtain a search warrant, which was executed on February 5.

During the search, officials removed 18 living animals, including seven cows, seven goats, two donkeys, one sheep, and one chicken. Investigators also discovered the remains of two cattle on the property.

Authorities previously said many of the animals lacked sufficient access to food, water, and shelter.

Gregory had originally pleaded not guilty after prosecutors filed two dozen animal cruelty-related charges against him.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Gregory received an 11-month suspended sentence. He is also prohibited from owning or residing with animals for up to five years.