Farmed animal neglect - dozens seized
Atlantic, IA (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Apr 5, 2008
County: Cass
Disposition: Not Charged
Abuser names unreleased
Dozens of neglected animals removed from an Iowa property are now getting special care. Cass County, Iowa Sheriff's Department investigators executed a search warrant at a property near Atlantic on Saturday after receiving a tip about animal neglect.
Investigators say the animals located on the property were in very poor health. "Ribs showing on all the animals," said Cass County Chief Deputy Brian Rink. "A lot of deceased animals in the area where a lot of other animals were. As soon as we walked on the property the smell was awful. Even though it's a wide open area there were dead animals scattered everywhere. It was awful."
Deputies and volunteer citizens removed seven horses, seven dogs, nine ducks, a chicken and 35 goats. One horse was found deceased and a veterinarian euthanized another horse at the property.
"It appears just no one was at the house or the farm to take care of the animals," said Rink. "We're looking into why that is. We found feed located in barns but animals couldn't get to the feed."
The animals are now receiving veterinary care at other locations. Rink said officials are waiting for reports from veterinarians before deciding whether or not to proceed with criminal prosecution for neglect. References
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