Prosecutors have dropped animal neglect charges against an Otoe County man who had been hired to winter a herd last year.
Otoe County Attorney David Partsch filed the charges against Christopher Schram, 33, after his office received a complaint from the cattle owner.
He said he filed charges based on the information at that time, but eventually informed the owner that he would move to dismiss the charges.
“As a prosecutor I have a duty to seek justice, not just convictions. As this case progressed, it became apparent to me that prosecuting Mr. Schram under these circumstances for abandoning or cruelly neglecting any cattle would not be in the interests of justice,” Partsch said.
The move to dismiss charges came after prosecutors interviewed several witnesses and reviewed depositions of the cattle owners, deputy sheriff and veterinarian.
A November News-Press story said Schram had cared for 170 head and authorities were called to investigate after a report that up to 30 head had died.
A press release from Gray Public Relations says that contrary to previous reports, the cattle owners' veterinarian did not state that any of the cattle in Schram’s care appeared malnourished.
Some of the cattle appeared thin and lethargic, but they were otherwise healthy.
Multiple witnesses indicated the cattle brought to Schram last winter appeared thin and lethargic upon arrival at Schram’s ranch, the press release says.
It contains a statement from Schram’s attorney, Matthew Bock, crediting Partsch for the decision to dismiss the charges.
“It was clear, after reviewing the facts of this case that Chris began experiencing problems almost immediately after receiving the herd, and that he took measures to address those problems.
“In fact, one of the cows in question died within 24 hours of being delivered to Mr. Schram,” Bock said.
He also added that one witness stated that he experienced similar problems when he cared for the same owner’s cattle in prior winters.
“Chris has been a respected cattleman for more than 15 years and those that work with him know he would never neglect or mistreat animals in his care,” Bock said.
