AR-News: (CA - Ont.) dead & starving cattle discovered

[Mary Finelli]

DEAD AND STARVING CATTLE DISCOVERED IN MILDMAY AREA BARN
Ontario SPCA press release, March 29/04


Hanover, Ont. -- A Mildmay area farmer has been served with an appearance 
notice following the discovery of more than 30 dead and 20 emaciated cattle 
at his farm on March 26, 2004.

Investigators with the Bruce-Grey Branch of the Ontario SPCA made the grisly 
discovery while investigating a complaint of thin cattle. Cattle were found 
in extremely poor living conditions. Many were tied in stalls that had more 
than a foot of manure and with dead cattle on either side of them.
Inspector Jennifer Bluhm with the Bruce-Grey Branch stated, "This is one of 
the worst scenes I have witnessed. Many of the dead cattle were still 
chained in their stalls. Those that were still living did not have any food 
or water. I think the most disturbing fact was that there was adequate food 
on the property."
"On the outside this farm appeared well kept, neat and tidy. I did not 
expect to find this kind of devastation inside the barn. At one time this 
was a profitable dairy operation," added Bluhm.

The farmer, whose name is being withheld pending completion of the 
investigation, is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Walkerton on 
May 11, 2004. He surrendered all of the cattle to the Ontario SPCA.

One cow could not walk and was humanely euthanized on the farm. Another was 
euthanized following the removal. The Bruce-Grey branch of the Ontario SPCA 
is providing care to the remaining 18 Holstein type cows. "Their condition 
is very serious, many of the cows have lost a considerable amount of muscle 
and are having difficulty walking. We are continuing to monitor their 
condition but it is possible they may all have to be euthanized," stated 
Inspector Bluhm

The Bruce-Grey Branch investigates more than 100 cases involving livestock 
each year. "Many people are often hesitant to get involved, they don't want 
to get a neighbour in trouble. I can't stress enough that anonymous tips can 
be made through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Ontario SPCA 
at (519) 369-9991," said Bluhm.

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