Disturbing discovery of dead livestock in Fresno sparks investigation into illegal dumping

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — ***WARNING: The following article contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.***

FOX26 is investigating a disturbing discovery, which appears to be a massive illegal dumping site filled with dead animals in rural Fresno County.

This is in western Fresno County near 1-5.

Layers of trash were dumped in the same area where dozens, possibly hundreds, of dead animals had been dumped.

Scattered across dry land are the remains of what appear to be hundreds of dead animals.

Sheep, cattle, and goats, all left to decay under the Valley sun.

“This seems to be a very intentional disposal of the animals that people simply didn’t want to deal with the legalities and proper management of their dead animals,” said Mark Aldenderfer, an emeritus professor with UC Merced.

Some carcasses look freshly dumped, others are nearly bones.

The mix suggests the site has been used over time, not just once.

But what’s clear is that someone has dumped these animals there. Some of them are very recent. There are sheep there that are clearly visible. You can see their wool. You know, it’s all nice and fluffy. And then there are some cattle there that have been there for a bit longer.

Aldenderfer says it looks like some of the sheep may have been dumped as early as a day ago, and others over 3 months ago

“People have likely been dumping in this place for some time, because when you look at the bones, they’re not in a pile, meaning that it’s unlikely that they were done something where they were, you know, processed somewhere else and then brought to this location,” said Aldebderfer.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating who is responsible after Fox 26 brought it to their attention.

“It’s really clear that these animals were simply just dumped there like trash,” said Alde

Aldenderfer warns that improper disposal of livestock can be dangerous.

“Some of them may have been infected with some sort of animal disease that might be problematic for people..00:07:36speaker 2hazmat is going to have to come out and clean the material up and dispose of it, probably take it to an incinerator,

The legal way to dispose of a dead animal is to either burn or bury at least 4 feet deep to prevent disease, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The sheriff’s office states that, as of now, the applicable misdemeanor charges are trespassing and illegal dumping.

We will continue to keep you updated as the investigation continues.