Iowa Department of Agriculture comments on possible Winneshiek County animal abuse case

More details are being released about the investigation into a possible animal abuse case in northern Winneshiek County.

An Iowa Department of Agriculture spokesperson says the agency was contacted recently by the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, which asked state inspectors to visit a farm and inspect the animals.

Both the District Veterinarian and the Livestock Inspector who cover the Winneshiek County area made a visit to the farm and noticed some cows "that were thinner than is ideal," according to the spokesperson.  The two state employees encouraged the farm owners to visit a livestock nutritionist to get an updated ration for the cows.  The owners agreed to do that.

Says the spokesperson, "Our Livestock Inspector plans to follow up in the next few weeks."  The results of that investigation will then be given to the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, which would make the determination as to whether charges are necessary in the case.