Animal neglect charges against Marathon County farmer dismissed

Courtroom Graphic (Photo Copyright Midwest Communications, Inc.)
Courtroom Graphic (Photo Copyright Midwest Communications, Inc.)

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) -- An Eland farmer has had his name cleared after accusations of animal abuse were brought against him one year ago.

Lance Rogalla had all criminal and civil charges against him dropped by Judge Jacboson on January 2nd, according to a release from his attorney. Rogalla had been accused of keeping several cattle, chickens, and horses in poor conditions, including without access to clean water and feed.

Marathon County seized the animals and brought charges of failure to provide proper shelter, intentionally providing improper animal shelter, and failure to provide food and water to confined animals. Witnesses including veterinarians, a UW-Extension agent, and others familiar with the farm's operations testified in support of Rogalla.

According to Rogalla's attorney, a judge ordered Marathon County to return the animals after a January 2018 hearing. During the time that the animals were held, two registered Holstein heifers calves died.

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