Sherburne Man Charged With 110 Counts of Animal Cruelty

A Sherburne man was in the Chenango County Correctional Facility Sunday on $5,000 cash bail after being charged with 110 counts of animal cruelty against cows.

Michael S. Thomson was charged with torturing/injuring and not feeding his more than 100 cows, misdemeanors under state agriculture law. A veterinarian was called in to evaluate the herd and found about 75% to be underweight. There were also several deceased and sick cows found on the 322 acre farm.

The cows are now being cared for by the defendant's father and brother, with assistance from Thomson's former wife.