OSCEOLA, Iowa (AP) — South-central Iowa authorities are investigating after dozens of head of cattle were found starved to death on property near Osceola. The Des Moines Register reports that the farmer who was supposed to be caring for the cattle could face charges. The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office says about 40 to 50 dead cattle were found Friday on a property about 4 miles west of Osceola. Chief Deputy Lucas Darby says a local veterinarian told authorities the animals appeared to have starved to death.

Darby says the farmer was tending to the property but did not own the land on which the cattle were found. Officials say someone reported the dead animals to authorities.