Breaking: Nearly 250 Neglected Goats Seized From Local Dairy Farm Following PETA Exposé

For Immediate Release:
February 10, 2026

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

PETA has just obtained confirmation that law enforcement officials, under the guidance of the Oregon Department of Justice, have seized nearly 250 goats from Grand Barr Dairy after two PETA undercover investigations revealed goats suffering from emaciation, diarrhea, abscesses that burst, lameness so severe that they were forced to walk on their knees, and other debilitating ailments, as well as showing dead goats tossed onto a pile of dirt and other goats’ rotting remains. Three of the goats reportedly had to be euthanized due to their severe conditions. However, instead of sending the surviving goats to sanctuaries—as PETA has repeatedly offered to assist with—Malheur County Sheriff Travis Johnson has sent more than 200 of them to a large-scale dairy facility.

Johnson—who grew up on a cattle ranch and dairy farm and whose family has long operated a prominent local feedlot for cattle slaughtered for beef—has reportedly stated his dislike for PETA’s goals. The Oregon Department of Justice took over the case after Johnson repeatedly failed to act on evidence of suffering: In July, when a whistleblower came to him with firsthand observations of cruelty, he visited the farm and told PETA that “my overall view of the Grand Barr Dairy was positive.” PETA then presented its respective investigators’ findings to him in October and December, but he didn’t remove a single animal either time, or file any charges. Now, Johnson is refusing to take up highly-regarded sanctuaries on their offers to provide lifelong care to the animals.

“Oregon officials were right to rescue these long-neglected goats, but the Sheriff’s decision to send most of them to an even larger dairy farm where they will be used until they die is akin to rescuing dog victims from a puppy mill and handing them over to a larger one,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling for felony charges to be filed against those responsible for these goats’ suffering and encouraging everyone to contact Sheriff Johnson and urge him to place these animals at reputable sanctuaries, where they’ll finally receive the care they need and deserve.”

Records from the Oregon Department of Agriculture additionally revealed that Grand Barr Dairy has a history of failed inspections, rampant sanitation problems, and milk tests that indicate unacceptable levels of bacteria. The records also show that Grand Barr continued unlawfully shipping milk to former customer Laura Chenel—which dropped the farm as a supplier following PETA’s first undercover investigation—while its license was suspended and apparently lied to the cheesemaker about its status.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness and free Vegan Starter Kits for anyone thinking of making the switch. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.