HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. — Robert David Starkweather, 52, was found guilty of 12 felony counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty following a four-day trial.
In March 2018, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit responded to the pasture after getting a report about a downed cow.
Deputies found 13 dead cows and 131 emaciated cows and calves at the scene.
Photo Gallery: Animal cruelty case at LaBelle farm
Starkweather owned 144 cows and calves that he had in a pasture off Ft. Denaud Road in LaBelle.
Evidence showed Starkweather failed to provide adequate food, water, and medication to the animals. Further, he ignored signs, over a four-month period, that the cows were in distress and suffering from malnutrition.
The jury was presented photographs of every animal found on the property.
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They deliberated for more than four hours before returning the guilty verdict for the 12 felony counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 26 th.
