At least 40 cattle found starved to death on Iowa farm, officials say

An Iowa farmer may face criminal charges after authorities say dozens of cattle starved to death under his care.

According to the Clarke County sheriff's office, "approximately 40 to 50" dead cattle were found Friday on a property about 4 miles west of Osceola. A local veterinarian told authorities the animals appeared to have starved to death, chief deputy Lucas Darby said.

Darby said the middle-aged farmer, who has not been named, was tending to the property but did not own the land. The property owner is not involved with the animals' care, Darby said.  A "concerned citizen" reported the dead animals to authorities.

Osceola is about 50 miles south of Des Moines. The sheriff's office did not say what specific charges the farmer could face. 

Related:

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• Des Moines juvenile charged after allegedly tying a dog’s muzzle closed with an electrical cord
• Man will serve 3 days in jail after pleading guilty to throwing an emaciated dog into a Des Moines dumpster

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