Wisconsin Man Is Charged With 20 Counts of Felony Animal Mistreatment

April 2003

More than 20 goats were found dead on private property in Montello, Wisconsin, and approximately 32 emaciated goats and sheep were found still alive. Included in the dead pile were mother goats with their dead babies halfway outside of their bodies. The attending veterinarian reported that these animals died of starvation and neglect.

Initially, the district attorney was only going to press one misdemeanor charge of depriving animals of food and water, but after PETA spoke with him and alerted Wisconsin members to the case, he decided to file 20 felony counts of animal mistreatment in addition to the misdemeanor charge. He also asked the judge to authorize the removal of the animals from the defendant’s custody.