Owners of Boise-area Goat Dairy Charged with 478 Felony Animal Neglect Counts

Taunia Barr and Aaron Barr face hundreds of charges after authorities seized hundreds of goats from their dairy in Oregon.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The owners of a Nyssa, Oregon goat dairy, Taunia Barr and Aaron Barr, have been charged with a combined 478 felony counts of animal neglect in the second degree. The charges come after an investigation by an animal rights organization led to the seizure of 239 goats from the dairy in early February, with three others euthanized due to poor physical condition.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing scrutiny and legal consequences that can face animal agriculture operations accused of neglecting or mistreating livestock. The large number of charges reflects the severity of the alleged offenses and the potential penalties the Barrs could face if convicted.

The details

According to court records, Taunia Barr and Aaron Barr, who owns the dairy with his wife, were each charged with 239 counts of felony animal neglect in the second degree. They were also each charged with 7 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect. The charges stem from an investigation by the animal rights group PETA, which sent undercover workers to the dairy and documented animals with health issues like overgrown hooves, abscesses, and limb deformities. One goat sold to a PETA investigator later tested positive for two fatal diseases at Oregon State University.

  • On February 4, 2026, the Malheur County Sheriff's Office seized 239 goats from the dairy and euthanized 3 others.
  • In October 2025, the Malheur County Sheriff cited Aaron Barr for animal neglect in the second degree.

The players

Taunia Barr

Co-owner of the Nyssa, Oregon goat dairy facing hundreds of animal neglect charges.

Aaron Barr

Co-owner of the Nyssa, Oregon goat dairy facing hundreds of animal neglect charges.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

An animal rights organization that investigated the Barrs' dairy and provided information that led to the seizure of hundreds of goats.

Malheur County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that seized the goats from the Barrs' dairy and filed the animal neglect charges.

Oregon State University

The university where a goat sold by the Barrs to a PETA investigator tested positive for two fatal diseases.

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What they’re saying

“Taunia and Aaron Barr now face the prospect of trial for denying veterinary care to goats suffering from emaciation, lameness and lice and maggot infestations, and PETA hopes any conviction will include a lifetime ban on owning animals so that no other animals suffer at their hands again.”

— Daniel Paden, Vice President, PETA (PETA News Release)

What’s next

The Barrs are scheduled to be arraigned in Malheur County in March. If convicted, they could face up to 5 years in prison and $125,000 in fines for each felony charge.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing scrutiny and legal consequences that can face animal agriculture operations accused of neglecting or mistreating livestock. The large number of charges against the Barrs reflects the severity of the alleged offenses and the potential penalties they could face if convicted.