PETA Statement re Aaron Barr’s Plea Bargain

Aaron Barr, former operator of Grand Barr Dairy, just agreed to a plea deal in Malheur County Circuit Court. Barr pleaded guilty to 31 counts of animal neglect, including 28 felony charges. He was prohibited from possessing or residing with animals for 15 years, and he is prohibited from owning, operating or working on a commercial livestock operation. He was ordered to pay restitution of $25,935.68, perform 200 hours of community service, and serve 36 months of supervised probation.

Barr’s indictment on 239 felony charges of animal neglect and seven misdemeanors was the result of two PETA undercover investigations revealing goats at Grand Barr Dairy were left to suffer from burst abscesses, overgrown hooves, stomach ailments, lameness so severe and painful that they were forced to walk on their knees or limp, and other debilitating ailments, as well as dead goats left to rot. PETA’s investigations prompted law enforcement officials to seize more than 230 goats from Grand Barr Dairy on February 4, three of whom had to be euthanized due to their severe condition. The survivors—including dozens of goats who were born after their pregnant mothers were rescued—have been placed in sanctuaries. Grand Barr Dairy co-operator Taunia Barr’s plea hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2027.

Below, please find a statement from PETA Vice President Daniel Paden:

PETA thanks the court and the Oregon Department of Justice for throwing the book at this abuser, who should never be allowed to set foot near another animal. Grand Barr Dairy left sick, emaciated goats to suffer and die in filth, and anyone disturbed by this case can help spare goats and other animals the same fate by simply choosing vegan milks and cheeses.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.