Two people are in custody on allegations of animal neglect and abuse involving dozens of livestock, as well as horses and dogs.
Authorities have identified the two individuals as Lindsey Rae Brashear, 36, of Haskell, and Kasey Wayne Clay, 31, of Council Hill. District Attorney Larry Edwards said his office is awaiting a report from the sheriff’s office before determining whether charges will be filed.
Muskogee County Sheriff Andy Simmons said the department received a call last week in reference to animal neglect and abuse in the 2300 block of South 114th Street West, according to a news release.
Muskogee County Sheriff’s Investigator Kile Turley said Brashear and Clay were in a relationship and were renting the property.
“They had leased the land, it was a verbal agreement to be off the land and get their cattle off,” Turley said Monday. “The owner came out and realized something was wrong. He called the sheriff’s office and once we got there, he saw the dead cattle and a search warrant was obtained.”
Simmons said deputies found approximately 104 animal carcasses (103 cattle, one dog). The sheriff’s office called a vet and had to euthanize a calf. He was transported to OSU in Stillwater to determine if it was an illness or malnutrition.
Brashear was arrested at the scene Thursday after being interviewed. Clay was arrested Friday afternoon, Turley said.
Approximately 40 cows and four horses were confiscated from a neighboring ranch. The City of Muskogee assisted and impounded seven dogs.
“They’re getting a lot better care than they used to,” Turley said. “It will have to go through court. There will be a bond forfeiture hearing, and pretty much a judge will have to decide.”
A stolen Kubota tractor was also recovered.
Muskogee County District 3 Commissioner Kenny Payne and his crew buried the carcasses, according to a news release.
