Charges pressed in animal neglect case

WASHINGTON — A Washington County farmer is charged by the state of Iowa with 25 counts of animal neglect — 24 of them simple misdemeanors and one a serious misdemeanor — in a case that triggered a massive, two-day animal rescue operation in November which removed at least 140 goats, pigs and sheep from a property between Washington and Kalona.

A call for service log from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Defendant Roger Escher, 76, turned himself in on Thursday, after warrants in the case were issued. He is scheduled for a hearing Friday, April 28 at the Washington County Courthouse.

Court documents in the case allege that the animals still living on Escher’s property in November were surrounded by corpses in various states of decay, and went with little or no access to water and food.

“What I observed on that property was disgusting and disheartening with the amount of deceased animals that were located,” a county officer wrote in an affidavit. “The range of decomposition ranged from freshly deceased to nothing but bones … there were some paddocks where you weren't stepping on ground, you were stepping on bones from prior deceased animals.”

The affidavit listed several grisly sights on the property, including pigs found eating mud due to a lack of food or water sources, goats without access to hay or grass which they need to survive, other animals with frozen-over drinking water, and the presence of diseases revealed by later testing, including brucellosis and pseudorabies.

“The living animals were removed from the property so they could receive proper medical care and start getting proper nutrition (and) water,” the affidavit said. “Some of the animals that were removed were too far neglected and died before they could receive medical attention or didn't respond to the medical attention and nutrition, and died.”

The statement alleged Escher may have tried to cover up the evidence before teams arrived for the rescue operation.

“Upon arrival, the defendant was using a skid steer and was caught in the act of scooping up the deceased animals in which I believe he was attempting to get rid of the deceased animals to hide them from this investigation,” the officer’s affidavit said.

Representatives from rescue organizations that removed the livestock in November said they were glad to see prosecution moving forward on the case.

“We're grateful for the persistent work by Sergeant Aaron Gould of the Washington County Sheriff's Office to get charges pressed against those responsible in this tragic case of neglect,” Assistant Director of Operations at Iowa Farm Sanctuary Katie Valentine said in a statement. “This situation was undoubtedly the most horrific we've ever witnessed. These animals suffered for far too long before help arrived.”

Escher’s bond was posted by Mary Escher, according to court documents filed Monday morning. Both Eschers are listed as deed holders for the farm property, according to the county’s Geographic Information System.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com