Overview
- Authorities removed roughly 90 animals from Lay Valley Bison Ranch in Moffat County after a monthlong probe into their condition.
- During the roundup, two bison died, and deputies say they euthanized two other bison and a mule to stop further suffering.
- The animals are now in state and county custody for care and veterinary evaluation, and officials say multiple cruelty counts are expected.
- Owner Dan Martin rejects neglect claims, citing drug-free pasture feeding, naturally lean bison and a closed herd he says produced some weak animals, and he is being billed $10 per animal per day as he seeks a quick court hearing.
- Industry leaders note bison often lose about 10% of body weight in winter and look ragged during shedding, which can mislead visual welfare checks, and Colorado has about 9,500 private bison, so a 90-head seizure is sizable for one ranch.