Sioux County Sheriff Dan Altena says they’re not ready yet to release the name of the person or persons responsible for several hundred animals that were found dead or in terrible condition at a rural Ireton farm.
Altena says they are still working on possible charges in the case. He says they plan to meet with the county attorney and go over reports from the D-N-R and the Humane Society and then make a decision on possible charges. Deputies found approximately 300 cows and calves that had died and were in various stages of decay. Altena says 57 live cows, bulls and calves were also located in two holding areas, and they were not in good condition.
Altena says they didn’t find a lot of water or food and the animals appeared thin with their bones showing through their skin. The live cattle were removed from the property and transported Tri-state Livestock Company in Sioux Center.