Triple F Farms Receives Deferred Prosecution

Ferret breeder Triple F Farms of Sayre, Pa., received a deferred prosecution following a joint investigation by the Bradford County District Attorney’s Office and the Bradford County Humane Society into the breeder’s facility and practices.

A complaint lodged by animal rights advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in August of 2011 prompted the investigation. A PETA investigator working undercover at Triple F Farms from April through August of 2011 collected information on and recorded graphic videos of what PETA claimed were acts of animal cruelty.

The DA’s office said it found “sufficient probable cause for the issuance of summary citations under the PA Animal Cruelty statute,” but because the violations resulted from “a lack of sufficient training, a lack of up to date policies and procedures, a lack of proper staffing and a lack of oversight rather than any pattern of malicious intent,” the office offered deferred prosecution, which Triple F owner Jack Fallenstein accepted.

The offer contained several conditions, including compliance with U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, implementation of recommendations provided by a consulting veterinarian, and the right for the Bradford County Humane Society Enforcement Officer to inspect the premises over the following six months. If no violations are found during that time, the DA’s office will close the case.

The USDA also launched an investigation into Triple F Farms in October, but the investigation is still ongoing, according to USDA spokesperson David Sacks.

Triple F Farms did not respond to requests for comment on the deferred judgment. <HOME>