‘Highway cow’ owner charged with cruelty

A man is facing animal cruelty charges after Miami County Sheriff’s deputies found decomposing carcasses and improperly treated livestock at a South Rangeline Road residence.

Cory A. Morris, 43, was charged with six counts of animal cruelty, according to the sheriff ’s office.

A press release from Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak said Morris has operated social media and internet sites under the name of Annie the Highway Cow, “which purports to be involved in animal rescues and solicitation for same,” the release said.

Annie had been captured on camera riding in the back seat of a pickup truck on Interstate 75 in Miami County, a video that went viral. Annie is still alive and at the residence, according to Duchak.

Deputies first searched the Morris residence on May 18 after receiving information about “noxious odors” coming from the property and neighbors expressing concerns about the conditions of the animals.

During the search, deputies found decomposing animal carcasses inside and outside the residence, as well as dirt and other conditions that made the residence unfit to live in, according to the sheriff ’s office.

Deputies also reportedly found livestock on the property that were not properly fed or given water. Livestock included cows, ducks, chickens, donkeys, pigs and miniature ponies.

Morris agreed to re-home 23 ducks, two donkeys, a cow and seven pigs to other livestock owners, according to the sheriff ’s office.

Deputies gave Morris instructions on changing the watering, feeding and sheltering of the remaining animals.

Tuesday, deputies returned with Miami County Health Department officials to check on the property.

Morris did make the changes to feeding, watering and housing the animals, according to the sheriff’s office, but the health department condemned the residence. Deputies and the health department will continue to monitor the situation.

— NANCY BOWMAN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER