Livestock neglect charges filed in Fayette County

John Spies, 33, and Jennifer Spies, 32, who operate a small farm north of West Union, were charged Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, with livestock neglect, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office said.

The misdemeanor charges stem from the Sheriff's Office's Aug. 6 execution of a search warrant to check the welfare of cows, calves, sheep and a horse at the small farm.

Two Iowa State University veterinarians accompanied the deputies during the search and found that some animals lacked feed and water, though none of the animals was in danger of dying, according to Chief Deputy James Davis.

“It was obvious that customary husbandry practices were lacking and appeared to be causing distress and likely injury,” the Sheriff's Office said.

Davis said the veterinarians were most concerned about the welfare of the calves and sheep.

The animals were allowed to remain on the farm, and the Sheriff's Office will get another court order to do a follow-up inspection to ensure their care has improved, Davis said.

The Spieses had been charged in July with four counts of failure to properly dispose of dead animals.