JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. -- It was in a letter faxed to the Fulton County District Attorney last week that brought national attention to a local case of animal neglect. That case involved more than 200 goats at a farm in Johnstown.

“What is clear is that the conditions were terrible. The conditions the goats were in there was clearly evidence of neglect there,” said D.A. Louise Sira.

More than 40 dead goats piling up and a 150 living in awful conditions. The owner was charged with one misdemeanor count of animal neglect. The Humane Society said that charge is too light.

“One of the things that caught our attention is that forty animals died and one misdemeanor has been file,” said Dale Bartlett with the Humane Society.

Bartlett said his group is trying to send a message with this case. Cruelty cases involving farm animals like goats often aren't taken as seriously. He'd like to change that by sending a strong signal to the defendant.

“If it turns out that Ms. Dillenbeck is responsible for the suffering and deaths of all those animals than she ought to pay,” said Bartlett.

He wants jail time. But the D.A. has a different idea. She said the case is being taken seriously and the best plan is to continue to enforce the impound order and keep a close eye on the animals.

“It's important that these cases are taken on a case by case basis and you're not merely promoting any sort of national agenda on the part of any particular advocacy group,” said Sira.

Dillenbeck is due in court later this month.