PASCO, Wash. (AP) - An Idaho sheep rancher is under investigation for animal cruelty after 29 dead cows were seen off Highway 395 near Pasco, Washington.
The Tri-City Herald reports a person in the area called the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office after spotting the dead cattle on the Bureau of Land Management property north of Pasco.
Franklin County Capt. Monty Huber says deputies flew over the property and saw the animals.
Huber says deputies didn’t see any sign of cattle food or tire tracks in the snow and that investigators believe the owner, James Marek, let them starve.
Marek’s attorney, Scott Johnson, argued in court that sheriff’s deputies have no proof the animals starved. He said the cattle died in February winter storms and that Marek filed a claim with the USDA saying he lost livestock due to weather.
An investigation is ongoing.
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Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com
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