Authorities in Wyoming County have filed serious animal cruelty charges against a 63-year-old Pennsylvania woman following the death of a cow that investigators say endured prolonged suffering due to untreated skin cancer and a failed attempt to kill the animal. Dawn Elizabeth Risley, a resident of Tunkhannock, now faces felony aggravated animal cruelty charges along with additional misdemeanor and summary counts related to neglect. The allegations stem from events on her farm in Lemon Township, where the cow’s deteriorating condition reportedly drew attention from a nearby animal sanctuary and eventually prompted a law enforcement investigation.
The case began to take shape in early 2024 when concerns about the cow’s health were raised by individuals connected to Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, a facility located near Risley’s property. According to authorities, the animal had been suffering from advanced skin cancer that required veterinary care. Investigators allege that despite the severity of the illness and visible deterioration, Risley did not seek treatment from a veterinarian. Instead, officials say she attempted to kill the cow herself by shooting it, an action that allegedly failed to end the animal’s life and left it with severe injuries.
Over time, the situation escalated into a criminal investigation as reports emerged that the cow had suffered for an extended period following the gunshot wound. The animal’s injuries and declining health ultimately led to intervention by state police and staff from the animal sanctuary, who worked together to take custody of the cow. By the time the animal was removed from the property, its condition had reportedly worsened significantly. Despite efforts to provide care after the rescue, the cow later named Shakti did not survive and had to be euthanized.
Investigation Into the Cow’s Condition
The initial concern about the cow’s welfare reportedly began when individuals affiliated with Indraloka Animal Sanctuary became aware of an animal on Dawn Elizabeth Risley’s property that appeared to be suffering from severe illness and neglect. The sanctuary, which focuses on rescuing and caring for farm animals, began monitoring the situation after observing the cow’s deteriorating condition. According to information later shared with authorities, the animal appeared to have an advanced case of skin cancer that was not being treated.
Skin cancer in cattle can be a serious medical condition, particularly when it affects sensitive areas such as the face or eyes. Veterinary treatment is often necessary to manage pain, prevent infection, and address tumor growth. Without intervention, the disease can progress and cause extreme discomfort for the animal. Investigators later stated that the cow’s condition appeared to worsen over time without receiving professional medical care.
The situation became more alarming after reports surfaced that the animal had suffered a gunshot wound to the face. According to the sanctuary’s account provided to authorities, the cow had lost its left eye as a result of the injury. The wound reportedly became infected, further compounding the animal’s suffering. Instead of dying quickly from the gunshot, the cow survived but remained in a severely compromised state.
Officials allege that the gunshot was intentionally inflicted as an attempt to kill the animal rather than pursue veterinary euthanasia or medical treatment. When the shot failed to kill the cow, authorities say it was left alive for an extended period without appropriate care. Investigators believe the cow continued to endure pain and infection during this time.
As the situation continued, representatives from Indraloka Animal Sanctuary reportedly attempted to intervene by offering to take the cow and provide veterinary treatment. However, according to investigators, Risley refused to relinquish the animal to the sanctuary. This refusal ultimately led the organization to contact authorities and provide information about the cow’s condition.
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State police then began examining the allegations. As part of the investigation, they sought and obtained a search warrant that allowed them to enter the property and remove the cow from Risley’s custody. Staff from the sanctuary assisted officers during the seizure, helping transport the injured animal to a location where veterinary care could be provided.
Unfortunately, by the time the cow was removed from the farm, its condition had deteriorated significantly. The injuries from the gunshot wound, combined with untreated cancer and infection, had left the animal in critical condition.
Rescue Efforts and the Cow’s Final Days
Once the cow was taken into custody, the immediate priority was to assess its medical condition and determine whether treatment was possible. The animal was brought to a facility where veterinary professionals could evaluate the extent of its injuries and illness. According to those involved in the rescue effort, the cow’s condition was extremely serious by that point.
The gunshot wound to the face had caused devastating damage, including the loss of the animal’s left eye. The injury had reportedly become infected, indicating that it had been untreated for a significant period. In addition to the trauma from the wound, the cow was also suffering from advanced skin cancer. The disease had likely been progressing for some time without medical intervention.
Veterinary teams examined the cow and attempted to determine whether recovery was possible. However, the combined effects of the cancer, infection, and traumatic injury made survival unlikely. The animal was experiencing severe pain and distress, and medical professionals ultimately concluded that euthanasia was the most humane option.
Before the procedure, the cow was given the name Shakti by those who had worked to rescue her. The name symbolized resilience and strength, reflecting the animal’s survival through prolonged suffering before intervention occurred. Despite the efforts made after the rescue, the cow could not be saved.
The decision to euthanize Shakti marked a tragic end to the case, but it also provided closure for those who had been working to remove the animal from the situation. For the staff at the sanctuary and investigators involved, the outcome reinforced the seriousness of the allegations surrounding the cow’s treatment prior to the seizure.
The sanctuary later confirmed that they had been willing and prepared to provide veterinary care if they had been allowed to take custody earlier. According to investigators, the refusal to allow the animal to be removed from the property played a significant role in the suffering it experienced.
Criminal Charges and Upcoming Court Proceedings
Following the investigation into the cow’s death, authorities filed multiple charges against Dawn Elizabeth Risley. The most serious accusation is felony aggravated animal cruelty causing death, a charge that reflects the alleged severity of the neglect and suffering experienced by the animal. In addition to the felony count, Risley is also facing misdemeanor and summary charges related to animal neglect.
Under Pennsylvania law, aggravated animal cruelty charges are typically filed when investigators believe an animal suffered serious bodily injury or death due to intentional actions or prolonged neglect. Prosecutors in Wyoming County determined that the circumstances surrounding the cow’s treatment warranted the felony charge.
District Attorney Joseph Peters addressed the case publicly, emphasizing the importance of protecting animals in rural communities where livestock and domestic animals are a central part of everyday life. He noted that agricultural families and the broader farming economy play an important role in the county’s identity and well-being. According to Peters, ensuring the humane treatment of animals remains a priority for his office.
After the charges were filed on February 19, Risley appeared in court where bail was set at $15,000 unsecured on March 4. An unsecured bail arrangement means that while the defendant is not required to pay the amount upfront to be released, the money could be owed if the conditions of release are violated.
The case is scheduled to move forward with a preliminary hearing set for March 17 before Judge David Plummer. During this hearing, prosecutors will present evidence to determine whether there is sufficient cause for the charges to proceed to trial. The hearing may include testimony from investigators, veterinary professionals, and individuals involved in the rescue effort.
If the court determines that enough evidence exists, the case will continue through the criminal justice process where additional proceedings will determine whether Risley will face trial on the charges. Prosecutors are expected to rely on veterinary reports, investigative findings, and witness accounts related to the cow’s condition and treatment.
The outcome of the hearing will play a key role in determining how the case progresses. For those who participated in the rescue and investigation, the legal proceedings represent an opportunity to address what they believe was a prolonged and preventable instance of animal suffering.
The case has drawn attention within the community and among animal welfare advocates who say it highlights the challenges of addressing neglect cases involving farm animals. While livestock ownership often involves difficult decisions about animal health and end-of-life care, authorities argue that the law requires those decisions to be made in a manner that prevents unnecessary suffering.