Robert “Cisco” Barnes (D. Lobkowicz photo, LCN file) |
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By Kathy Onorato
Nearly a year after 23 animals were removed from the farm of Robert Barnes,
56, of Whitefield, the animal cruelty charge was dismissed in Wiscasset
District Court Jan. 9.
In January 2013, pigs, goats, rabbits, cats, and several birds were seized
from Barnes’ farm on East River Road in Whitefield when Barnes failed to make
suggested improvements to the animals’ shelters after a farm inspection
revealed some violations that needed to be addressed.
In November 2012, Whitefield Animal Control Officer Margaret Sirois followed
up on complaints that Barnes’ pigs did not have proper drainage and/or
shelters suitable protection from the elements.
In a written statement, Sirois said when she visited the farm on Dec. 30,
2012 she found the pigs improperly housed and without food and water.
Sirois writes she told Barnes he needed to provide the pigs with a three-
sided structure with a waterproof roof. In the statement Sirois quotes Barnes
as saying he was “raising pigs, not poodles.”
Then-Whitefield Animal Control Officer Margaret “Peggy” Sirois (right) and Don Cote haul sleds carrying crated animals on Jan. 11, 2013. Cote assisted Sirois in seizing the animals from Robert “Cisco” Barnes’ Whitefield farm. (D. Lobkowicz photo, LCN file) |
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Concerns and complaints regarding the welfare of Barnes’ animals began as far
back as 2009.
Until November 2012, farm inspections by animal welfare and agricultural
agencies showed no violations of standard requirements.
According to his attorney Logan Perkins, Barnes will be allowed to own any
animal he wishes as long as he is in compliance with animal welfare laws.
“He’s looking forward to working with the Department of Agriculture,” Perkins
said. “The Department of Agriculture will be a more practical partner.”
Perkins said Barnes will not be able to get the seized animals back and will
not be compensated for their forfeiture.