After two arduous years of fighting to clear her name after being accused of larceny — for simply showing compassion and care for two cows who strayed onto her property — Tracy Murphy has finally had the charges against her dismissed. The dismissal has been hailed as a “significant victory for animal rights and compassion” by In Defense of Animals (IDA) via a press release.
Murphy, the owner of Asha’s Farm Sanctuary, has maintained her innocence and said she acted out of concern for the two cows she noticed on her property one morning. She brought them to safety and then called the SPCA to inform them of what happened. Days later, when a neighbor claimed to be the owner of the cows, Murphy asked for proof and offered to purchase them — a compassionate request when two lives were at stake.
But shortly afterward, Murphy was arrested and charged with grand larceny.
Sadly, the two cows — who Murphy named Ismael and Little Willow — were returned to Murphy’s neighbor and slaughtered, despite a warrant stating they were to be “returned to the court.” It was also uncovered that the case’s senior investigator, who oversaw Murphy’s arrest and the removal of the cows from Murphy, is the brother-in-law of Murphy’s neighbor who claimed ownership of the cows. This crucial connection was only recently uncovered.
“I think the investigation done by the New York State Police was horrible. I think the lead investigator should have left the case,” Judge Gary Strenkoski said when the information was revealed at a pre-trial hearing.
Murphy was offered a deal if she pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and admitted to violating the law — Murphy refused.
Despite death threats, harassment, and even protests outside the sanctuary, Murphy and Asha’s Farm Sanctuary aren’t going anywhere.
“I am not easily intimidated,” Murphy told Lady Freethinker. “We have worked so hard in building Asha’s from the ground up, with a beautiful visiting/educational center near completion. This is our home, and we plan to stay.”
Lady Freethinker celebrates Murphy’s victory. Her dedication to protecting animals reminds us all that compassion is everything.
