An investigation by Linn County Sheriff’s deputies Monday morning resulted in the arrest of the homeowner after deputies found multiple neglected animals and 14 dead ones.
Linn County Undersheriff Michelle Duncan said deputies served a search warrant for animal neglect in the 4100 block of Shimanek Bridge Drive, east of Scio after receiving information that multiple cows were in various stages of neglect and some were deceased.
Early last week, deputies began an investigation and obtained enough information for a search warrant to enter the location and seize any neglected animals. Upon arrival, deputies quickly learned multiple animals had been neglected for quite some time. Some were too weak to stand without help and stood among carcasses of others.
Fourteen animals were found deceased: 11 cows, two chickens and one dog. Six cows and two dogs were seized from the location, but one of those cows did not survive the night. Deputies are working closely with a veterinarian in hopes of getting the remaining animals on a healthier path, Duncan said.
Owner Lynette McConnell, 66, was arrested on 20 counts of first-degree animal neglect and was transported to Linn County Jail.