LIVE: The Trial of Tracy Murphy

In the summer of 2022, two cows escaped from an Upstate New York beef farm and wandered over to nearby Asha’s Farm Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary owner, Tracy Murphy, took the 2 cows in, informed the local SPCA, and cared for the animals. Now, she is on trial, facing up to a year in jail, accused of misdemeanor petit larceny. She’d originally been arrested, shackled and charged with a felony that could have put her behind bars for 7 years. Though the charge has been reduced, her life has been upended due to threats and protests in front of her animal sanctuary accusing her of cattle rustling. When the neighboring beef farmer, who was also a New York State Trooper, arrived to get the cows, Murphy says she demanded proof of ownership and offered to buy the animals. Ultimately, the cows were seized by police armed with a search warrant and Tracy Murphy was chained at the wrist, waist and ankles and hit with a gag order to prevent her from speaking, which has since been lifted. According to the New York Times, after police returned the two animals to the farmer, “he sold the cows and they were slaughtered.” Now, the trial is underway and the UnchainedTV team is bringing you the very latest. Host Jane Velez-Mitchell, attorneys Nora Marino and Joe Murray of Legal Action Network for Animals, animal rescuer Simone Reyes, court reporter Akhil Devarashetti, and commentators Tiffany Brunelli and Michelle Celestino weigh in. Please comment and share out.