Okeechobee dairy farm becomes focus of investigation after animal abuse allegations
The allegations led to Publix dropping Larson Daily Farms as a milk provider, according to a statement.
Okeechobee dairy farm becomes focus of investigation after animal abuse allegations The allegations led to Publix dropping Larson Daily Farms as a milk provider, according to a statement. Check out this story on tcpalm.com: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/2017/11/09/investigation-into-abuse-dairy-farm-launches-after-anonymous-tip/849614001/
Emily Bohatch, Treasure Coast Published 5:24 p.m. ET Nov. 9, 2017 | Updated 6:38 p.m. ET Nov. 9, 2017
People can call Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers to leave anonymous tips. Wochit
Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel Stephen speaks in front of the Sheriff's Office during a press conference addressing animal abuse allegations on Larson Dairy Farm.(Photo: EMILY BOHATCH/TCPALM)
CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINEMAILMORE
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY — After an anonymous package arrived at the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office by express mail containing photos of what appeared to be animal abuse, the agency is launching an investigation into Larson Dairy Inc., a local dairy farm.
The package, which arrived about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, contained photos of individuals kicking and hitting cows, sometimes with a weapon, Sheriff Noel Stephen said.
Photos and videos also were posted online by Animal Recovery Mission, a nonprofit animal advocacy group established in 2010, according to its website.
The images posted online also show conditions in which the animals appear to live.
The group claims it began an undercover investigation into the farm in August, according to a post on its website.
The allegations led grocery store chain Publix to drop Larson as a milk provider, according to a statement reposted online by WPTV Newschannel 5.
According to WPTV, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services plans to visit the farm to ensure the well-being of the cows.
Stephen said the Sheriff's Office has been in contact with two of three of the farm's owners, Woody and Jacob Larson.
One of the employees in the pictures was fired and two more were suspended pending an investigation by the dairy farm, Stephen said.
The activist group alleges Jacob Larson encouraged cruel behavior toward the animals.
Stephen said that in his years working at the Sheriff's Office, he could not recall reports of cruelty at the Larson farm.
Though they have not released the identity of any employees depicted in photos or video, Stephen said criminal charges will likely come from the investigation.
The Larsons are cooperating with the Sheriff's Office's investigation, Stephen said.
"They were accepting to it and welcomed an investigation," Stephen said.
He said the farm owners likely will not face criminal charges.
Follow Bohatch on Twitter: @emilybohatch
Read or Share this story: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/2017/11/09/investigation-into-abuse-dairy-farm-launches-after-anonymous-tip/849614001/
PSL bait shop owner lauds Trump at White House
Gunman robs PSL store, takes money, cell phones
MCSO: 3 accused of selling cocaine, 1 with over a lb
Arm wrestling pastor Bobby Hopkins dies at 62
Mother, son injured after crash on Vero Beach bridge
Tough to wipe this smell away