Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office seeking public’s assistance in February attempted arson incidents involving livestock facilities; Reward being offered
The Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in regard to a pair of February incidents involving vandalism and attempted arson at a rural Allamakee County swine facility. Reward money in the amount of $15,000 is currently being offered in regard to the case.
Sunday, February 5 of this year the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious item at a swine unit located on Dry Ridge Drive in rural Lansing. Deputies did respond to the location and recovered an incendiary item, reportedly a molotov cocktail, that had been placed on the building.
Upon further investigation it was determined that the item was placed with the intent to start the building unit on fire. The building unit was occupied with numerous swine at the time of the incident. The item did not ignite the building and minimal damage was observed.
Saturday, February 18 of this year a second call was received from the property owner of the same swine unit, reporting that remnants of a second incendiary device were located on the ground near the same building. Deputies responded to the location and did collect the remnants of the second incendiary item. The two incidents appear to be related, according to local authorities.
The Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance with this case. Anyone who may have any information regarding this case is asked to contact the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office at 563-568-4521.
A reward of up to $15,000 is being offered in this case for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers has offered $10,000 of that reward in support of an initial $5,000 being offered from local sources to assist in the investigation into this case.
Local authorities and the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers would also like to remind farmers to be vigilant in monitoring their farms, as well as their neighbors’ farms. More information to assist in that monitoring effort is offered by the Coalition at https://www.supportfarmers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Vandalism-and-.... Anyone observing suspicious activity is reminded to not investigate it on their own but to call the sheriff’s department immediately and report it.
Brian Waddingham, executive director of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, says farmers strongly condemn animal abuse and hopes the reward will help resolve the case. “Iowa’s livestock farmers go to great lengths to ensure the health, safety and well-being of their livestock, and when senseless acts like this occur it becomes a concern for all of those involved in agriculture,” he said.
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers is a non-profit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. This approach to helping livestock farmers grow is a collaborative effort involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the Coalition at 1-800-932-2436. For more information about the Coalition visit www.supportfarmers.com.
