In a situation that is becoming more common as the cost of hay continues to soar, the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Roger Spangler Jan. 23 and charged him with 45 counts of felony animal cruelty.
According to the department, the charges arose when owners of the property where the cattle where housed reported the poor condition of the animals. At least 20 were confiscated and are being fed and housed at county expense.
While Sheriff Travis Daughtery said it is not the intent of the department to tell people how to care for their livestock, there is a difference between decision making and allowing animals to starve or die because of neglect.
Further, if animals are confiscated the courts will allow the county to eventually sell the animals. However, both manpower for care and hay to keep the animals is costly. Hopes are when the animals are well enough and the courts allow their sale, the money will cover the costs the county has incurred.
Notice of forfeiture was filed and printed in this week’s edition of the Watonga Republican.
There are several officers who are currently training in how to investigate these cases.
“If you know of starving animals, please report this to dispatch and an investigation will start,” Daughtery wrote. “If you want to remain anonymous, that’s fine but make sure to have adequate information when reporting.” He also noted the SO will soon launch an email dedicated to crime tips.
No matter the reason animals are allowed to starve, Daughtery has said the sheriff’s office will step in and seek charges against the owners.