Odor leads deputies to 24 dead cattle

Charges could come as early as Monday

Published On: Jun 17 2012 03:54:52 AM CDT   Updated On: Jun 17 2012 10:23:12 AM CDT
TOWN OF BELLE PLAINE, Wis. -

Shawano County deputies investigating a report of a foul odor emanating from a barn said they found 24 dead cattle inside.

A 50-year-old Shawano man has been arrested on tentative charges of animal neglect.

The sheriff's department said someone reported the foul odor on Friday. Other neighbors in the area confirmed smelling the same stench.

Authorities acquired a search warrant and searched the farm in the Town of Belle Plaine. They found two dozen dead cattle of varying ages.

Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Wedemayer said the man's case has been forwarded to the prosecutor's office, and Wedemayer predicts charges could come as soon as Monday.

The felony animal-neglect charge would carry a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

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