Nyssa Dairy Goat Farm Owner Arraigned on Hundreds of Felony Animal Cruelty Charges

Judge orders removal of all animals from farm after indictment alleges widespread mistreatment of dairy goats

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:05am

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The owners of an Eastern Oregon dairy goat farm, Taunia and Aaron Barr, are facing over 400 felony animal cruelty charges for the alleged mistreatment of their dairy goats. On Tuesday, Aaron Barr was arraigned in Malheur County Court, where the judge ordered the removal of all animals from the farm, including the Barrs' personal pets. Prosecutors say this is a historic case, with PETA calling the seizure of "every last farmed animal off of a farm" and the filing of nearly 500 charges "significant." The over 200 goats have been relocated to a facility in California, where authorities say they are improving in health.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing scrutiny and legal consequences that animal agriculture operations can face for alleged mistreatment of livestock. The large number of charges and the court-ordered removal of all animals from the farm suggest authorities took the allegations of cruelty very seriously, reflecting increased public concern over animal welfare in the industry.

The details

According to the indictment, Aaron and Taunia Barr, the owners of the Grand Barr Dairy in Nyssa, Oregon, face over 400 felony animal cruelty charges. On Tuesday, Aaron Barr was arraigned in Malheur County Court, where the judge granted prosecutors' request to order the removal of all animals from the farm, including the Barrs' personal pets. The Barrs have been barred from having any contact with the animals. Taunia Barr is scheduled to be arraigned next week, and Aaron Barr will return to court in June.

  • On Tuesday, Aaron Barr was arraigned in Malheur County Court.
  • Taunia Barr is scheduled to be arraigned next week.
  • Aaron Barr is scheduled to be back in court in June.

The players

Aaron Barr

One of the two owners of the Grand Barr Dairy in Nyssa, Oregon, who was arraigned on over 200 felony animal cruelty charges.

Taunia Barr

The other owner of the Grand Barr Dairy in Nyssa, Oregon, who is scheduled to be arraigned next week on the same charges.

Judge Erin Landis

The judge who ordered the removal of all animals from the Barrs' farm, including their personal pets, and barred the Barrs from having any contact with the animals.

Travis Johnson

The Malheur County Sheriff, who says his team found a facility in California to take in the over 200 goats seized from the farm.

Dan Baden

A representative from PETA who called the seizure of "every last farmed animal off of a farm" and the filing of nearly 500 charges "significant."

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What they’re saying

“Going in and seizing every last farmed animal off of a farm and filing nearly 500 charges is historic.”

— Dan Baden, PETA representative

“The goats are improving. They look good. Their coats are looking good and I'm really happy with what they're doing at that operation. Obviously, if you look online, not everybody's happy with some of the decisions I've made, but I think in the end, I've done what is appropriate for the situation.”

— Travis Johnson, Malheur County Sheriff

What’s next

Taunia Barr is scheduled to be arraigned next week, and Aaron Barr is scheduled to be back in court in June.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing legal scrutiny and consequences that animal agriculture operations can face for alleged mistreatment of livestock, reflecting increased public concern over animal welfare in the industry. The large number of charges and the court-ordered removal of all animals from the farm suggest authorities took the allegations of cruelty very seriously.