Criminal complaint filed after 116 animals seized due to severe neglect, several found dead in Plymouth County

Brockton – Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz announced that authorities have filed a criminal complaint against a 42-year-old woman from Plympton, accusing her of multiple instances of animal cruelty related to the severe neglect of more than 100 farm animals under her care.

Jenifer Rogers faces 12 counts of animal cruelty and is set to appear in court on November 3rd for a summons arraignment.

The case came to light on September 22nd, when personnel from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were alerted to a local law enforcement response at a residence on Lake Street in Plympton. Initial reports described ongoing neglect of various poultry, fowl, and other farm animals, with several found dead and left on the property. The MSPCA had received earlier tips about potential mistreatment at the address but was previously blocked from entering due to Rogers’ refusal to cooperate, as she was living there at the time. The property owner later told MSPCA staff that numerous animals had perished in recent months from neglect, and Rogers had opted not to provide them with proper care.

Upon gaining access for an inspection, MSPCA responders discovered the surviving animals housed in substandard enclosures lacking sufficient food or water. Deceased livestock lay in close proximity to the living ones, and scattered bones and skulls—believed to be from goats—were strewn across the grounds. Rogers was offered the chance to relinquish any animals she could not adequately manage.

The following day, MSPCA officials returned with a search warrant and found conditions largely unchanged, including persistent shortages of water and unsanitary shelters. In total, 116 animals were seized from the Lake Street property and relocated to MSPCA facilities in Cape Cod and Methuen for safety.

Subsequent veterinary evaluations of the rescued animals revealed consistent and unmistakable evidence of prolonged neglect.