Officials investigating North Dakota cattle deaths

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Officials say the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a tip that more than 100 cows died on a landowner’s property.

Deputy State Veterinarian Beth Carlson says the North Dakota Department of Agriculture received an anonymous complaint in January.

McIntosh County Sheriff Laurie Spitzer tells the Bismarck Tribune that the landowner said the cattle had been chased into a barn by wild dogs and trampled each other. Spitzer says she was first notified of the situation earlier this month.

Carlson says the agriculture department has contracted with a local veterinarian to perform necropsies on the animals. She says a preliminary report has been submitted, but she would not release details.

Spitzer said the investigation is continuing and that no charges have been filed. The landowner was not identified.