Bates County Sheriff's Office: Cattle Seizure

On February 5th, Bates County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a complaint about animal neglect to find that the cows appeared to be under weight and the ice in the pond had not been broken for quite a while. There was electric fence around the pond and the cows could not access it if the ice was broke. When encountered by the owner of the cattle, he was agitated and very aggressive insisting the Deputies get off his property.

On 2/February 6th, the Bates County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on the residence at RR2 Box 224, Butler, Missouri. The residence is located on Business 49 between Butler and Passaic. When Deputies made contact with the property owner Gary Anderson they advised him he was under arrest and he attempted to retreat into the house. A short struggle between Deputies and Gary ensued causing the window in the back door to break but he was taken into custody without injury. Gary was transported to the Bates County Jail where he was placed on a 24 hours hold.

The search warrant was for the purpose of checking the health and wellness and take custody of the subject’s twenty two cattle. Over the last year, the Sheriff’s Office had received multiple complaints from concerned citizens about the condition of the cattle in the field. The complaints were primarily that no food or water was being given to the cattle and several cattle appeared to have health issues to prevent them from walking. Several neighbors reported over the last year several cattle had died on the property. On several occasions multiple neighbors had offered to help maintain the cattle for the gentleman. Each time they were met with resistance from the owner.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by a Vet with the Department of Agriculture. He stated, “These animals are not being adequately cared for and with continued poor management some will die of starvation before grass greens up”. His recommendation was that these animals be taken into custody until they are healthy enough to return to the field.

Based on the current conditions of the cattle and the lack of resources (feed, hay, water etc) at the farm, the cattle were taken into custody and moved to a secure lot. While they are in custody of the Sheriff’s Office they will receive the recommend medical treatment by a Licensed Veterinarian.






Sheriff Anderson says, “This is a worst case scenario, but over the last year we have made multiple contacts with the owner and addressed the complaints. I never enjoy seizing property of someone who is trying to make a living. We can’t ignore the fact that the neighbors have delivered him hay for free, just to see him put electric fence around the hay blocking the cow’s access. Now it is up to the courts to address if he is capable of taking care of these animals in the proper manner and whether or not the cattle will be returned to him.”






Gary C Anderson, 10/2/1951 was charged with six counts of animal neglect/abuse, bond was set at $16,000.00 cash or surety. Prosecutor Jenkins is reviewing the resisting arrest charge and may file that charge later today.









The cattle’s future will be determined in a disposition hearing within 30 days before the court.