LILLIE, La., (KNOE 8 News) - Union Parish sheriff's deputies have seized 26 cows from a pasture on Mike Road just north of Lillie because a veterinarian said they were in very poor health from malnourishment.
The owner of the cattle, L.Z. Pepper, 75, of El Dorado, Ark., has been charged with 26 counts of cruelty to animals, but insists he has been feeding the cows daily.
"There is no evidence in the field that shows they were being fed any thing, no scraps of hay or nothing," said Chief Deputy Dusty Gates. "He's not surrendering (the cows) voluntarily."
Gates said the cattle will be fed and treated at another location by a range rider. Pepper will have 15 days to post sufficient bond to cover expenses of feeding and treating the animals and to prevent their sell.
The cattle can be reclaimed if all procedures are followed, Gates said.
The sheriff's office received an anonymous call Monday about the animals being neglected.
Gates said the 26 counts against Pepper are misdemeanors, but that the charges could be upgraded.
