(PCSO/Peg Broadcasting News)
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is investigating possible animal cruelty after several cows apparently starved to death. According to a press release, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Tennessee Highway Patrol Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), began on February 27, 2021 after deputies responded to the report of several deceased cattle near Lake Hill Road, Monterey, Tennessee.
Initially, PCSO deputies responded to the Lake Hill Road area in reference to cows being shot. As the investigation ensued, it was apparent that several bodies of cows were lying in the field. Investigators from the PCSO, assisted by TDA’s Agricultural Crime Unit, observed that it appeared most of the cattle had died as the result of starvation, which was confirmed by the Tennessee State Veterinarian’s Office.
At the conclusion of the investigation, law enforcement and others will be presenting their findings to the Putnam County Grand Jury.