Plea Deal for Millstone Farmer Accused of Neglecting Animals

A Millstone farmer accused of failing to take care of hundreds of animals found starving and dying on his property, has admitted neglecting the goats, sheep, chickens and horses.

In exchange for pleading guilty in Township Municipal Court, 45-year-old Christopher Vaccaro avoided jail time. The Asbury Park Press and NJ.com report a judge ordered him to pay a $2,000 fine. Vaccaro will only have to pay $500 if he complies with certain conditions imposed at the sentencing. No additional animals are allowed on the farm and the Monmouth County SPCA is allowed to inspect the property with notice.

On February 25, authorities discovered approximately 100 goats, 80 sheep, six miniature donkeys, a mini horse, a full-sized horse, several chickens, turkeys, peacocks, dogs and cats living in less than acceptable conditions. Authorities said the live animals also were living among carcasses of dead animals. Vaccaro denied the allegations and said he wasn't trying to be "negligent."