Sauk Centre Farmer Loses Sick, Malnourished Cattle to the Law

KSAX Eyewitness News recently aired photos of the cows released by the Animal Human Society of Golden Valley. These photos show stick-thin cows with ribs jutting out of their skin. Some stand in manure knee deep, others look obviously diseased.

Today, a dead calf with its legs bound in twine and covered in garbage was also found near the home.

Other unmistakable features of the Yarke farm include piles of garbage, a dilapidated house, and a river of liquid manure running from the barnyard.

Neighbor's say Yarke refused to improve conditions on his rural farm in Getty Township.

"As far as taking care of the cattle, I think he tried to take care of them, but he just didn't have the ambition to get done what needed to be done," said neighbor Brian Massmann. 

Massmann went on to explain that he and other neighbors have attempted to help Yarke a number of times, but have been consisently refused.

Although Yarke was questioned by deputies, he was not formally charged with any wrongdoing according to the the Stearns County Sheriff Department. 

However, Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner says the investigation is ongoing, and animal cruelty charges are pending against the 69-year-old man.

The animals in question were taken to a farm North of Sauk Centre for observation and await veterinary care.