Laura Colvin

Livingston Daily

A warrant has been issued for a 61-year-old Cohoctah Township man after approximately 70 cows were found dead on his property, an official said.

Keith Edwin Huck Jr., 61, could face up to four years in prison on animal cruelty charges. He also faces misdemeanor charges related to failing to bury dead animals and failure to license a dog.

The warrant was issued Oct. 25 in 53rd District Court, but court records indicate the animals were discovered sometime between May and August.

The animal cruelty charges are “based on allegations that the defendant failed to provide adequate care to cows and pigs,” said Livingston County Prosecutor William Vailliencourt.

“Three pigs and five cows were recovered alive and approximately 70 cows were found dead,” Vailliencourt said, noting the animals were found in two locations off Robb Road.

Vailliencourt said he was unable to disclose other details while the case is pending, including how the animals may have died. Court records indicate Livingston County Animal Control conducted a lengthy investigation before requesting charges.

About a dozen witnesses are listed in the case file.

Court records also refer to a “Hatchet,” a tri-color coon hound, in the allegations of stray and unlicensed dog, but do not list any other specifics about the animals.

“The charges are simply allegations at this point and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” Vailliencourt said.

OTHER NEWS:

Contact reporter Laura Colvin at 517-552-2848 or lcolvin@livingstondaily.com or follow her on Twitter: @LauraColvin22