Neglected cows

Dear Editor,

I've been sick to my stomach watching a cow herd being starved. This 100+ cow herd finally started to die off last week. As of Sunday night, I counted four dead from the road, and they were all on TOP of the snow indicating the time line.

After contacting the Frontier County Sheriff's office on Sunday, the deputy investigating informed me that, according to the owner, these were "just a couple" of old cows and the herd was in good condition otherwise.

This deputy then stated he "might" still drive out and look at them. Yes, these probably were four older cows (probably gummers) that died, but they didn't die because they couldn't eat.

They died because they were starved to death the previous three weeks. Nature already tells us the old and weak die off first. Four in the same week indicates much more than just an "old" cow was a factor.

I'm disappointed with the Frontier County Sheriff's office because in my call to them I asked them to bring along a vet or cow specialist to just look at the herd. To my knowledge, no one ever came out and looked at this herd. This case deserved an investigation, citation, and (if it were my choice) jail time!

It's well-documented in the cattle feeding industry that cows' maintenance requirements go up in cold weather and storms.

I'd urge every cattleman to take a close look at their cattle and try to keep the best nutrients available during this next cold spell.

Even with good feed, cattle will still lose weight during the worst winter weather.

Tom Andrews

Holbrook