The operator of the Westminster Livestock Auction has been charged with violating state animal health regulations after a cow unable to move had allegedly been left overnight to fend for itself.
The state Department of Agriculture has charged James Horak with not providing equipment to move the “downer” cow, euthanizing the animal at the end of the auction and failing to provide humane treatment.
“The charges filed in this case demonstrate that mistreatment of sick and crippled cows at auctions is taken seriously in Maryland and will not be tolerated,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.
The cow had recently undergone surgery and was too injured to move when it was allegedly left for a night last month without food or water. On the heels of reports of sick or injured cows in California being forced into slaughter, the Humane Society videotaped the cow in Westminster and had it euthanized.
The investigation prompted the state to tighten regulations. Livestock auction inspectors are required to report and track downed animals, officially inform management of the action that must be taken and follow up to see whether appropriate actions were taken.
Horak has 15 days to respond to the charges. He can accept the charges, in which case he faces criminal prosecution or could lose his auction operator?s license; or he can appeal the charges to the office of administrative hearings, said Sue duPont, spokeswoman for the agriculture department.
Horak could not be reach for comment, but officials said he has cooperated with the investigation.
“The operator and his staff are cooperating fully with this investigation,” said state veterinarian Guy Hohenhaus. “This appears to be an unusual incident for the auction and the operator has already taken a number of steps to prevent such a situation from happening again.”
