33 Cattle Seized After Animal Neglect Reported: Sheriff

SARASOTA, FL — After being notified of possible animal neglect, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office’s Agricultural Unit seized 33 cattle from a rancher who owns property at the intersection of Lorraine and Fruitville Roads in Sarasota Monday.

Deputies found the cattle, including several calves, without access to proper food or water, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. One of the cattle was dead when they arrived.

The property was primarily dirt with little-to-no grass or vegetation. Round bales of hay were stored on the other side of the fence, however, none of the animals were able to access it, the sheriff’s office said.

The standard for care for large cattle is two acres per animal and these 33 cattle were sharing only 11 acres total, according to the news release.

Deputies seized all 33 cattle and transported them to the agency’s Animal Services facility, where they are now roaming in a large pasture with access to food, water and medication.

Agricultural Unit deputies and Animal Services personnel are working with a local veterinarian to score the cattle for body condition. Several appear severely malnourished, many with visible spines and bones, the sheriff’s office said.

Once deputies obtain a verified petition, the sheriff’s office will be given full custody of the animals. In the meantime, deputies are also seeking to prohibit the owner from owning any animals in the future.

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Due to the ongoing investigation, the cattle owner’s name and information is not being released yet. Deputies are familiar with the owner, though, as they have warned him and issued 11 citations since 2017 for allowing his animals to get loose.

The investigation into the care and possible neglect and cruelty toward these cattle is active and ongoing. The sheriff’s office will release more details as they become available.