Five cows seized, neglect alleged
Algoma, MI (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Apr 3, 2009
County: Kent

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Bill Verbrugge

A man who watched as authorities seized five cows from his Hull Road farm on Friday disputes the allegation he does not properly care for the cattle.

Bill Verbrugge, 79, said he treats his animals like pets, and Kent County sheriff's officers and animal control officials had no reason to take the cows. Verbrugge said Sunday he believes the two dead cows and a dead horse found inside his barn were killed when someone intentionally fed them rat poison.

Officers went to the 455 Hull St. NE farm after being tipped off to possible animal cruelty.

"There's no abuse here," he said. "The animals are in great shape, and you can bet that I'm gonna fight this."

Verbrugge said authorities left three bulls in his care.

"It doesn't make sense that they'd take the cows and leave the bulls if I didn't take care of my animals," he said.

References

• Mlive - April 5, 2009

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