A Chimacum man was charged and seven of eight bison were removed from his property on Beaver Valley Road after it was determined the animals were in "poor health."

According to Jefferson County undersheriff Art Frank, the sheriff's department received "multiple calls from people who saw one of the animals lying dead."

"Several bison on the property had died over the past year, and the eight remaining bison were in poor health, some stumbling due to general weakness," Frank said in a press release.

Denver Shoop, 72, was charged for eight counts of animal cruelty in the first degree April 16.

According to court documents, each felony count carries up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

The felony alleges Shoop, between Jan. 1 and April 23, intentionally and unlawfully inflicted substantial pain on or caused physical injury to an animal, or did kill an animal by a means causing undue suffering, or forced a minor to inflict unnecessary pain, injury and death on an animal.

"He told the Jefferson County animal control officer he only had 20 bales of hay he had been rationing to conserve his supply," the release stated. "Shoop stated he was financially incapable of buying more feed for the animals."

Seven bison were transported to Center Valley Animal Rescue on April 17, and the county is paying for their care.

Sara Penhallegon of Center Valley Animal Rescue confirmed to The Leader that the group is caring for the seven bison.

"The fields the bison are in have been depleted of natural grass for feeding purposes, and the herd showed obvious signs of starvation," Penhallegon stated. 

"Each of the animals clearly had protruding ribcages and hind quarters. Several of the bison were stumbling from general weakness."

After seeking opinions from two veterinarians, Penhallegon said seven of the eight bison were in "dire need of vet care and in a severe state of starvation and likely parasite infestation."

Penhallegon described the eighth bison as a "large bull” that is not in “good condition” but is “too big and healthy for this site to safely house."

The bison have been run through testing and exams, Penhallegon said; some needed IV fluids, vitamins, worming and more. One of the bison appeared to be pregnant.

"These animals are still in very grave condition," she said. "They are weak. … A few collapsed in the chute, and many are very weak in the hind end and have difficulty walking.”

In their first 10 days at the rescue, some of the bison gained 20 to 75 pounds, however, some are still "very weak."

"As these animals become stable they will be sent to another rescue/sanctuary, Refarm Sanctuary, who has the space on large acreage to house these animals through the full court case and is willing to provide lifelong care for them," Penhallegon said, adding that the first two bison are set to be moved in one to two weeks.

The rescue is accepting donations to help defray the costs of care for the animals. 

Penhallegon said anyone can donate money, feed, hay and more to help with the care.