Bedford, Pennsylvania – A Pennsylvania couple accused of cruelty to animals had their bail reduced by the Bedford County Magisterial District Judge Brian Baker. The couple, Nyal Piper, 81, and Renee Piper, 62, faced a total of 485 counts of crimes against 99 animals found in their Bedford Township home in late December. Charges included aggravated cruelty to animals, neglect of animals, and neglect of veterinary care.
During a bail modification hearing at Bedford’s central court, the Pipers saw their bail reduced to $250,000 straight bail each. Nyal Piper’s attorney, Thomas Dickey, expressed that while they had hoped for a better outcome, the reduction in bail showed that Judge Baker considered all the information presented. Dickey highlighted Nyal Piper’s honorable military service in the U.S. Navy as a factor in their argument for bail modification.
Renee Piper, represented by attorney Shawn Cohen, worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation ethics department. Cohen emphasized that bail should not be used to penalize defendants, pointing out that the original $1 million bail amount seemed to overlook the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” The Pipers waived their preliminary hearing and are awaiting a court date.
Both defendants plan to post the modified bail and make arrangements for temporary housing while their property is brought up to code. Upon returning home, they will be subject to bail conditions that include no animals on the premises and open to unannounced inspections by state police. The bail had initially been set at $1 million based on the severity of the animal cruelty case involving 99 animals, a situation that garnered attention from animal advocates like Dean Lemley, president of the Bedford County Humane Society.
Lemley and other advocates attended the hearing to demand justice for the animals rescued from the Pipers’ home. Despite hoping for no reduction in bail, Lemley reiterated their commitment to being a voice for the voiceless animals. The concern remains centered on the well-being of the vulnerable animals involved, with attention on seeking accountability for the alleged mistreatment.
