Humane officials: About 30 cows found dead at Ada County ranch

Summary

Idaho Humane officials say they've found 32 dead cows at a ranch near Amity and Black Cat roads in Ada County. WARNING: Story contains graphic photos

Story Created: Jan 28, 2009 at 11:48 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 28, 2009 at 6:14 PM MDT

Humane officials: About 30 cows found dead at Ada County ranch

Photos courtesy of Teri Hunter

                                    WARNING: Story contains graphic photos

BOISE - Idaho Humane officials are at the scene of another alleged case of animal neglect in the Treasure Valley.

Dr. Jeff Rosenthal, executive director of the Idaho Humane Society, says investigators have found about 30 dead beef cattle at a ranch near Amity and Black Cat roads in Ada County. Veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture are also on scene investigating "malnourished animals and other lapses in care."

They're also looking into the possibility of a disease outbreak.

The property has about 130 cattle.

Rosenthal says Wednesday's case is fairly unprecedented and unusual and he's unaware of the last time cattle have had to be seized. The cattle will be cared for at an undisclosed location for the security and safety of the cattle.

The Humane Society says the property belongs to Hermis Sparks of 5114 South Black Cat Road. No charges have been filed.

Sparks has been cited in the past on numerous animal care infractions - including four separate occurrences of cattle running at large and two charges of animal neglect in the past three years, according to court records. Both of those charges were thrown out in court.

"This makes me feel like I'm not in the America I grew up in," Sparks said in respnse to authorities seizing his cattle. "They've been after me for four years." 

The following photos were taken by neighbor Terri Hunter in the past. Pictures included show cows at the property wondering outside of fences as well as cow carcases rotting.

 

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