SPCA of Erie County Director Takes the Stand | News

EAST AURORA, NY-- The Executive Director of the SPCA of Erie County took the stand today in the animal abuse trial of Town of Aurora horse farm owner Beth Hoskins.

Barbara Carr was cross examined by Hoskins' defense attorney Tom Eoannou. 

Carr would not speak to reporters as she left the courtroom which was closed to media, however Eoannou spoke about Carr's testimony.

He said Carr was questioned about documents entered into evidence that allegedly show an agreement the SPCA entered into to sell Hoskins' horses. 

Eoannou claims this proves their theory about why the horses were seized.

"We've contended all long these horses were not bad, and now we're showing our position that this was a preconceived plan to take the horses and not give them back," said Tom Eoannou

Eoannou recently asked the judge to declare a mistrial but was told the testimony would continue while he considers that request.

Hoskins is facing 74 misdemeanor counts of animal abuse following an SPCA-led raid of her property in March of 2010.