Officials: NM ranch had 1,000 emaciated cattle - KFDA - NewsChannel 10 / Amarillo News, Weather, Sports

Officials: NM ranch had 1,000 emaciated cattle

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - State officials are considering seizing a herd of cattle after around 1,000 emaciated cattle were found on a drought-stricken ranch near Fort Sumner.

Albuquerque Journal reports that New Mexico Livestock Board officials served a search warrant at the sprawling Double V Ranch on May 17 and found at least 25 dead animals and many others at risk of starving to death.

The owner, Richard Evans, has been charged with 25 counts of cruelty to animals.

If a judge orders the seizure, officials say the case would mark the first large herd seized by the Livestock Board.

A number listed for Double V Ranch was a fax number. No other number was listed for Evans.

New Mexico is in its driest 2-year period in nearly 120 years of record-keeping.