A court recently ruled the defendants in an animal cruelty case must pay about $90,000 to the SPCA for animal care costs or surrender the animals. The animals were surrendered last week, the case is ongoing. (Submitted photo)

NORTH NORWICH ― Two Norwich residents accused of neglecting animals on their hobby farm have forfeited ownership of their livestock and pets after failing to pay a court-ordered $90,000 security bond, resulting in the animals being legally transferred to the Susquehanna SPCA.

In February, Fiona R. Taylor, 24, and Lauren M. McKendry, 47, were charged with 16 felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 65 misdemeanor counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals; and failure to provide proper sustenance, under New York Agriculture and Markets Law.

The Susquehanna SPCA, which assisted in the investigation and cared for the seized animals, sought approximately $90,000 in expenses for their room, board, food, and medical care for the next month.

The defendants disputed the costs and did not wish to surrender the animals, so a civil court hearing was held on March 5.