MIAMI COUNTY — Deputies have charged a Miami County man with six counts of animal cruelty stemming from two search warrants executed at the property belonging to the owner of the famed Annie the Highway Cow, according to Sheriff Dave Duchak.
>>RELATED: Rescue cow takes ride in truck in Tipp City
Cory A. Morris, 43, was charged Tuesday stemming from the searches conducted at his property in the 2600 block of South Rangeline Road today and May 18, Duchak said in a media release. “Morris runs a Facebook page and website called Annie the Highway Cow which purports to be involved in animal rescues and solicitation for same,” Duchak said.
Deputies launched an investigation after neighbors reported obnoxious odors coming from the property as well as concerns for the animals living there.
“During the May 18 the search warrant deputies found the condition of the residence to be in complete disrepair, animal carcasses decomposing both inside and outside of the residence, dirt, filth, and conditions making the residence unfit for habitation,” Duchak said.
Many of the animals were also found not properly watered or fed, investigators said. Morris was instructed to find new homes for multiple animals on the property, including 23 ducks, seven pigs, two donkeys, and one cow, which he was able to do by a deadline set by today.
A second search was conducted today by the Miami County Health Department and the sheriff’s office as a follow-up to last week’s search, deputies said.
“Morris had made the requested changes with respect to properly feeding, watering, and sheltering the remaining animals. However, the Miami County Health Department condemned the residence and placed the proper signage warning that the residence was condemned,” Duchak said.
The six counts of animal cruelty stem from the first search and the animals that were under his care at that time, Duchak said.
© 2020 Cox Media Group
Sign Up
