A one-time favor for a friend resulted in two Ephrata Borough farmers being sentenced to five years of probation for attempting to neuter a dog without being properly licensed.
The farmers – Matthew B. Martin, 46, and John Reiff Martin, 69 – pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of aggravated cruelty to animals before Lancaster County President Judge David Ashworth.
The Pennsylvania SPCA began investigating the Martins after an Ephrata Borough resident brought her 2-year-old border collie/blue heeler mix, Hemi, to the farm on Hahnstown Road on April 27, 2023.
John Martin neutered the dog, but the incision did not stop bleeding. The dog’s gums turned white from the blood loss, according to the PSPCA
When Hemi’s owner sought emergency help, a vet determined the dog’s surgery site was not closed properly, and whoever performed the surgery was not a vet, which was later confirmed by the PSPCA. Hemi needed emergency surgery but survived.
The PSPCA’s animal law enforcement team and a Lancaster County detective searched the property in May 2023; police filed charges against the Martins on Feb. 7.
As part of the plea agreement, the Martins cannot own any new animals. They are allowed to use horses as a means of transportation, and Matthew Martin, who shoes and trains horses, can still work with them if he does not keep them on his property.
PSPCA agents can inspect the Martins’ farm at will as part of the probation.
In court, Matthew Martin’s attorney Adam Szilagyi said what started as a favor for a friend spiraled out of control and they made a mistake neutering the dog but had no ill intent.
John Martin’s attorney, Chris Sarno, said it was a one-time surgery and the Martins now know better.
Hemi’s owner said Thursday that the dog is in good health and spirits now, playing and cuddling like a normal dog and that the surgery did not do permanent harm.
A third person, Ronald E. Hehnly, 73, was charged with one count of neglect of animals, a low misdemeanor, for connecting the dog owner and the Martins. His attorney, Anthony DiDonato, said Hehnly will be accepted into the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program, which allows qualified offenders to seek expungement of their record upon completion of terms.
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