20080529 AP: Westminster Livestock Auction faces state charges

Livestock auction operator faces state charges

Hat Tip: Carroll County Times

By The Associated Press Thursday, May 29, 2008

ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Agriculture has charged a livestock auction operator in connection with alleged inhumane treatment of a downed cow at auction last month.

James Horak, operator of the Westminster Livestock Auction Market, faces four counts of violating state animal health regulations, the department said in a news release.

State agriculture officials began investigating the market after the Humane Society of the United States released video footage in April of sick and injured livestock the group says were mistreated at auction sites and stockyards where cattle are sold for slaughter.

Horak could not be reached for comment. The department said he has 15 days to respond to the charges, which include failing to provide humane treatment and failing to euthanize in a timely manner an animal that was in obvious distress.