On Monday, 26 cattle including adults, calves, and yearlings, both male and female, were removed from a five-acre property in the Lewiston Orchards, owned by 76-year-old Lewiston resident Steve Watson.
According to news release from the city, since June 26th this year, the Lewiston Police Department has responded to approximately 38 calls regarding Watson’s cattle being at large. Over the past 12 months, Watson has received 17 citations for failing to secure his animals and maintain his property. Neighbors have reported daily occurrences of cattle wandering at large, along with concerns that the animals often go without food or water. Many reports also indicate no feed is stored on the property for the cattle’s benefit.
According to the release, the cattle are unbranded, malnourished, and in need of immediate care.
Last month, state animal investigators coordinated with Watson for him to voluntarily relinquish all but 10 cows and two bulls; however the city says Watson failed to fully comply with resulted in the city taking possession.
The Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Department, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and the Lewiston Livestock Market assisted in the seizure. The cattle are currently being cared for by the Lewiston Livestock Market while civil proceedings take place.
