The Moffat County Sheriff's Office executed a seizure operation involving approximately 90 bison and one mule from the Lay Valley Bison Ranch after determining the animals' welfare was in danger, according to a June 12 announcement.
The seizure operation was conducted in cooperation with the Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection and the Colorado State Veterinary Office. The Sheriff's Office stated it had been working with the elderly owner over the past month to address concerns regarding the care and condition of the animals, but investigators concluded further action was required to protect them.
During the investigation, officials determined that one mule was suffering to such an extent that humane euthanasia was necessary. The owner was charged this week with 91 counts of cruelty to animals.
