LEWISTON, Idaho. – Lewiston Police seized 26 cattle from a farm due to alleged neglect and public safety concerns.
On Monday, LPD responded to a five-acre property in Lewiston where Steve Watson, 76, had 26 cattle living including adults, calves, and yearlings both male and female.
LPD says they had been called 38 times about Watson’s cattle and had issued him 17 citations for failing to secure his animals.
Neighbors reported the cattle wandering and often goes days without food or water. Many reports noted that no feed was stored on the property for the cattle.
The cattle were found to be unbranded, malnourished, and in need of immediate care.
In October, state animal investigators coordinated with Watson to voluntarily relinquish all but 10 cows and two bulls. Watson did not fully comply with the agreement.
The city lawfully seized the animals and handed them over to the Lewiston Livestock Market while civil proceedings take place.
