GREAT FALLS — George Johnathan Savoy was arrested and charged in late March after at least 65 dead cows were found on property along Mission Road several miles west of the town of Cascade.
Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter says that there are about 230 head of cattle that are still malnourished and need care.
Savoy took part in a hearing on Monday where he pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty, a felony.
As part of a plea deal, he will be responsible for paying restitution and care of the remaining herd.
He also agreed to transfer custody of the remaining cows to his father, with an agreement to liquidate the cattle within six months of the agreement.
(APRIL 1, 2020) George Johnathan Savoy has been arrested and charged after at least 65 dead cows were found on property that he reportedly leases along Mission Road several miles west of the town of Cascade.
Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter says that there are about 230 head of cattle that are still starving and need care.
Cascade County Commissioners held a special meeting on Tuesday to obtain emergency funding to begin the process of feeding and providing water for the cattle.
Sheriff Slaughter said in a Facebook post that "thanks to a team effort by the Cascade County Commissioner's, Cascade County Attorney's Office, Public Works, and the State Livestock Inspector, we now have temporary food and water on the way to the property." Slaughter said the surviving cows and calves are in critical condition and he is assigning deputies to care for them and assist with calving to try saving the remaining livestock.
County Commissioners are working on a long-term care solution for the cattle. Due to the enormous financial cost to the taxpayers, they are asking the community to help with either feed or financial support.
If you would like to make a donation, please deliver your donation (payable to Cascade County) to the Cascade County Sheriff's Office, 3800 N. Ulm Frontage Road, Great Falls, 59404. Hay donations can be dropped off at the dump site on Simms/Cascade Road on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 9am and 4pm.
You can also safely donate online by clicking here to visit the Sheriff's Legacy Foundation website. If you have any questions, call Sgt. Boyd at 406-454-6820.
At this point, Savoy is facing one charge of aggravated animal cruelty. We will update you as we get more information.
