GORMAN — Officials are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding one of the largest seizures of livestock in Garrett County history.
On Thursday officers from the Garrett County Humane Society seized 25 horses, 18 cattle and four goats they said were slowly starving to death on a King Wildesen Road farm. They also found the skulls and other remains of 17 animals scattered around the barren pasture where the livestock were kept.
“We’ve seized horses before in the county, but there has never been another case like this, with this many emaciated horses,” said Dee Dee Lohr, a volunteer Humane Society officer.
Lohr said they’re now awaiting the arrival Monday of a forensic pathologist from Florida who specializes in animal neglect cases. They are also seeking warrants to allow investigators to excavate areas of the property, searching for more carcasses and other evidence.
“I want to make sure that I have the evidence that I need to make a conviction here before I file charges,” she said. If charges are filed, they’ll be brought in Garrett County District Court by the Humane Society.
Lohr said officials cannot yet release the name of the man they believe is responsible for the animals’ condition, because of the risk of compromising the investigation and provoking a lawsuit. He has been described as a Garrett County resident who lives on a neighboring property.
Deb Clatterbuck, a volunteer investigator with the Humane Society, said the agency has been aware of problems at the farm for some time, and previously contacted the farm operator to address them. Officials received an anonymous tip May 7 that alerted them to the severity of the situation.
The farm operator, who was not present when the animals were removed Thursday, reportedly intended to make money by breeding and selling the horses.
As of 10 a.m. Friday, all the animals rescued from the farm were alive and were eating, Lohr said. The horses had been moved to Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, and the cattle and goats to another farm nearby.
Lohr said she hopes people contact the Humane Society at 301-334-4470 immediately if they suspect animals are being neglected or abused.
“If they drive by a horse or cow in a field, and they feel that something doesn’t look right, that’s probably true,” she said.
Contact Megan Miller at mmiller@times-news.com.
Local News
Livestock slowly starving to death
Humane Society officials pursuing prosecution of Garrett farm owner
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