A northwest Iowa man faces charges after nearly 100 animals were found dead in rural Plymouth County. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office charged 49-year-old Douglas Layne Baldwin of rural Merrill with failing to properly dispose of dead animals and livestock neglect.
Neighbors living near Baldwin’s father in rural Merrill reported dead animals to the Sheriff’s Department late last month. Authorities say a veterinarian determined more than 20 cows died because they’d been neglected.
Deputies also found more than 70 dead cows and sheep and a dead horse at Baldwin’s residence. Other animals were moved to nearby farms. Baldwin is charged with animal neglect for each breed of animal that died. He is free on bond.