By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Officials probe calf deaths
Placeholder Image
BRODHEAD - No charges have been filed after an hours long search Tuesday night at a property in rural Brodhead resulted in the discovery of two dead calves.

Green County Sheriff Mark Rohloff said Wednesday the situation remains under investigation.

"This is still really in its beginning stages," Rohloff said.

He said the call asking authorities to respond to dead animals at the property came from neighbor Lanny Ross. After a search warrant was obtained, deputies spent hours at the property along County E. Two dead calves were located. Two other calves were taken from the premises to be cared for while the investigation continues.

The animals belong to 21-year-old Chase Klemm of Brodhead, who noted he has been farming for roughly six years. Klemm said he was unsure how the deaths happened, though he acknowledged cold weather could have played a role. He also said he had been having trouble with a neighbor which may have contributed to a string of bad luck in recent days.

"Sunday night, my tires were slashed, Monday the fence was cut and then Tuesday this happens," Klemm said. "I checked on them earlier Tuesday and then that guy came out and then this happened. I'm pretty puzzled right now."

Klemm said he purchased the calves two weeks ago from Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales in Monroe "for extra money." Though he does not live at the property where the calves and a herd of beef cattle are kept, he said he routinely checks on the animals there and had done so before the call came in on Tuesday. Klemm said taking care of his animals was a priority because of the fiscal benefits.

"It's just money down the drain if you don't," he said.

Rohloff said the department has been consulting with Green County District Attorney Craig Nolen on proper procedure while investigating the deaths of the calves. He added that a vet working with the sheriff's department would perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death.

"They are animals of husbandry, and they do die," Rohloff said.