Police are investigating the possible starvation deaths of 63 cattle found in a barn in Haenam, South Jeolla Province.
According to Haenam Police on Tuesday, a local resident reported to the police on Monday that several cattle appeared dead in the barn and requested an investigation. The resident noticed a lack of activity at the site and said he did not know the owner.
When police arrived, they discovered that 63 of the 67 cattle had died.
The barn’s owner, a man in his 30s, reportedly told police he had been "unable to manage the facility due to personal circumstances."
Police are considering the possibility that the cattle died from starvation due to prolonged neglect. If confirmed, the owner could face charges for violating animal welfare laws.
A veterinarian’s initial examination found no signs of infectious disease or external injuries.
The Haenam County government said it has requested further examination to determine the exact cause of death, with results expected within two to three days.
“We first thought it might be an infectious disease, but no signs of that were found,” a county official said. “And the cattle were extremely bony.”
According to the government, local livestock farmers expressed concern, noting that deaths from starvation are extremely rare.
“If malnutrition is indeed the cause, it would suggest the cattle were left without food for a significant period,” the official added.
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