Authorities discover 56 dead cows, puppy; Chadron rancher faces 57 felonies

CHADRON, Neb. - A 29-year-old Chadron rancher is facing 57 felony charges after authorities discovered dozens of dead cattle and a dead puppy on his property.

Dillon McGannon appeared in court Wednesday, June 25 following his May 28 arrest. According to court documents, McGannon allegedly killed a woman’s red heeler puppy and sent her threatening messages, including a photo of the puppy that appeared to have been shot.

After McGannon's arrest, court documents say a neighbor went to check on McGannon’s livestock and discovered a pen containing more than 30 dead cows. Authorities later executed a search warrant at McGannon’s property and say they found 56 dead cows.

A veterinarian who accompanied investigators to the property said the animals likely died from lack of food and water and had been dead for two to three months—possibly longer.

According to the court paperwork, a neighbor said McGannon had rounded up cattle and put them into pens in March to get shipped out, but a snowstorm disrupted the plan. Investigators believe he left them in the pens without feeding them.

McGannon now faces 56 felony counts of intentional cruelty to an animal, one felony count of intentionally and knowingly torturing an animal resulting in death, one misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace, and one misdemeanor charge of intimidation through phone call or electronic communication.