Animal abuse investigation: "Huge improvements" made at Kenosha Co. farms, calves doing better

KENOSHA COUNTY (WITI) — Kenosha County Sheriff’s officials say progress has been made as it relates to the cleanup of two farms being investigated for animal abuse.

Sheriff Dave Beth reports that he along with Sheriff’s Detectives and the District Attorney will be meeting this week to discuss further steps in the animal abuse investigations at the Brighton and Paris Township farms.

Back in May, at least 52 dead calves were found in and around barns at a Brighton Township farm. At a Paris Township farm, officials found at least 30 dead calves on the property. A large animal veterinarian was called in to evaluate 15 live calves found at the Brighton Township farm, and at least 100 live calves found at the Paris farm.



The 15 live calves found at the Brighton Township farm were moved to another nearby location where they are being cared for, and the 100-plus cattle at the Paris farm remain there, as it was determined these animals appeared to have been fed and were in good health.

An initial investigation revealed evidence of neglect in addition to readily apparent long-term deplorable conditions at the farms.

Sheriff Beth advised that he personally visited both of the Schmeckel farms over the weekend and observed huge improvements.  Officials say the Schmeckel family continues to be very cooperative in this clean-up process and the conditions are now satisfactory.



The status of the 15 calves currently at Sheriff Beth’s farm will be re-evaluated after the meeting with the District Attorney.  Sheriff Beth reports that the smaller calves of the 15 animals are showing signs of improvement.

Deputies are continuing with the daily inspections at the farms noting that the Schmeckels have already begun to reduce the size of the herd at the 20801-1st Street farm by allowing other farmers to purchase some of the cattle.