On February 3rd, 2020, the Green County Sheriff’s Office received an email reporting suspected animal abuse or neglect at Pinnacle Dairy, N4201 Decatur-Sylvester Rd., Green County, Wisconsin. The email provided links to 25 short YouTube videos that showed injured, ill or deceased cattle and at least one video displaying an individual kicking a dairy cow. The same link was emailed to the Green County District Attorney as well as at least one Madison based news outlet.
Specially trained Humane Officers with the Green County Sheriff’s Office reviewed the videos and determined that an inspection of the farm was warranted to ensure that animal carcasses were being properly disposed of and that injured or ill animals were receiving adequate care.
At approximately 8:47 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2020, a team of seven deputies from Green, Rock and Lafayette Counties that have received specialized Humane Officer training made an unannounced visit to the Pinnacle Dairy to inspect the premises. Along with the Humane Officers were a Green County deputy that has extensive experience in working in the dairy industry and a Wisconsin State Veterinarian. Management at the dairy welcomed the officers onto the premises and provided access to all areas of the property.
Deputies determined that the short videos had been recorded in January 2019. The individual that was believed to have made the recordings had his employment terminated from Pinnacle in January of 2019. The videos were determined to be out of context and not an accurate reflection of practices at the farm. One of the videos showed a worker kicking a cow; deputies learned that employee had been terminated from the farm in May 2019 for performance issues.
After a complete inspection of the premises, deputies and the state veterinarian unanimously determined that any complaints of animal abuse or neglect or issues concerning the disposal of carcasses was unfounded. The premise was clean, sanitary and had adequate areas for injured or ill animals and had veterinary care for animals that were in need of treatment.
No additional law enforcement action regarding this matter is warranted and this case is considered closed.
Source: Green County Sheriff Press Release