Man arrested on animal cruelty charges after cows found dead

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, AL (WAFF) - A man faces animal cruelty charges a second time after several cows were found dead.

Investigators said the cows were the same ones that David Caufman had on his farm in Limestone County when he was charged in February on similar offenses. They said all he did was load the herd and move them less than five miles down the road into Lauderdale County.

Now investigators said when they got on scene Wednesday, they found four dead cows and one cow that had been placed into a 24-hour watch period with a veterinarian. According to investigators, they found another 35 cows and 15 calves starving and malnourished.

Investigators said a neighbor driving by the area on County Road 155 spotted a dead calf on the side of the road, called it, and reported it to county officers. That was when animal control officers got out there and discovered the neglected herd.

"We'll take serious action on them," said Randall McCrary. "We're not going to stand for this in the county with any kind of livestock or pets not being taken care of. Like I said, this was brought to our attention by a lady that lives nearby."

Caufman was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon. He was released on bond. He was charged with four counts of animal cruelty and resisting arrest, but officials said additional charges are pending.

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