Goats Seized From Grand Barr Dairy Are Forfeited to the County: PETA Statement

For Immediate Release:
April 1, 2026

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

A Malheur County judge has ordered that all of the approximately 240 goats seized from Grand Barr Dairy in February are forfeited to the county. Please see the following statement from PETA Vice President Daniel Paden:

“PETA thanks the judge for ordering that these long-suffering goats be spared from a return to the farmers who left them to suffer from emaciation, lameness, and parasite infestations. PETA urges Malheur County Sheriff Travis Johnson to ensure that every single goat is sent to one of the reputable sanctuaries standing by to receive them so they can at long last receive the lifelong care and respect they deserve. The public is watching, and the goats can’t wait.”

The operators of Grand Barr Dairy near Nyssa, Taunia Barr and Aaron Barr, were indicted by a Malheur County grand jury on February 27 on a total of 478 charges of felony animal neglect—each punishable by up to five years in jail and a $125,000 fine. The charges, in addition to 14 misdemeanors, follow two PETA undercover investigations revealing goats at the farm left to suffer from burst abscesses, overgrown hooves, stomach ailments, and lameness so severe and painful that they were forced to walk on their knees or limp, and other debilitating ailments. Dead goats were also left to rot. PETA’s investigations prompted law enforcement officials to seize nearly 240 goats from Grand Barr Dairy on February 4—three of whom had to be euthanized due to their severe condition.

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. PETA’s free vegan starter kit is filled with tips to help anyone looking to make the switch. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.