Wisconsin Authorities Find Neglected, Dead Calves on Farms
The Kenosha County (WI) Sheriff's Department is trying to determine what exactly caused dozens of calves to die on two separate farms owned by the same family. According to reports, investigators found 52 dead calves on a farm in the town of Brighton, WI on Friday, and then discovered another 30 dead calves at a facility Saturday morning near Paris, WI.
Authorities say there were 15 living animals on the first farm, which since have been removed and taken to a safe location, and 100 live cattle at the second farm. They were apparently being raised as beef steers.
The properties are both owned by Jeffrey Schmeckel. He was in the news in 2009 after being critically injured in a farm accident.
Officials say the exact cause of the animal deaths has not been determined, but authorities cited 'evidence of neglect' in their police reports.
The sheriff's department says the property owners are being cooperative, but it could take weeks before the investigation is complete.