Sign: Dozens of Goats Found Dead from Neglect — Man Faces 20 Charges

Published: June 03, 2025 at 02:28 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Grand Rapids, Minn. – An Itasca County man is facing a slew of charges because Itasca County deputies found “piles” of dead goats, apparently neglected to death, on property where he was living.

Itasca County deputies made the grim discovery on property in Bovey where 42-year-old Jacob Langeslag was staying with his goats – documents state there were three “piles” of dead goats in addition to additional goat carcasses that were “cleaned down to the bone” south of the property.

“They reportedly saw multiple goat legs hanging off the roof of the trailer that they say appeared to be ripped off the dead goats.”

An estimated 92 dead goats were found on the property where Langeslag lived; Valley News Live outlines the neglect the goats suffered:

“It was also observed during the search that there were several buckets within the fenced area with the surviving goats, all were empty but one. The other bucket was reportedly half-full of dirty water. There was no available source of water for the goats. It was later learned that Langeslag would drill holes in the nearby swamp and would bring the goats out every so many days for a drink. He also reportedly cut down trees for the goats to eat off of, leading to a serious state of malnutrition. Fecal samples from the surviving goats determined that they were infested with whipworms, strongyles, and coccidia.”

Jacob Langeslag claims he was “sick” during the time that the goats were starved to death. Still, investigators found a Snapchat video showing him at a bar and restaurant hangout called Zorbaz in Grand Rapids during the time he was supposed to be too unwell to care for the goats.

This is not Langeslag’s first time neglecting animals – he has a separate pending case of Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty Charges in Rice County for neglecting a horse.

Starvation is a prolonged, torturous death—each day brings more pain as the body consumes itself, muscles waste away, and the animal grows too weak to cry out. For these 92 goats, it meant dying slowly in fear and confusion, their suffering stretching endlessly while help never came.

Enough is enough. This man must be held accountable for killing these 92 goats! Please add your name to the petition to ensure that Langeslag serves the maximum amount of time behind bars for the 14 counts of Felony Animal Torture, three counts of Overwork/Mistreatment of an Animal- Deprive of food/shelter, and three counts of Disposal of Animal Carcasses.

Watch Paul’s report here after he talked with Langeslag.

Find the complete list of charges in this charging document.

Note: Omnibus Hearing is scheduled on 07/16/2025 at 1:30 PM 

Target: Lead Attorney, Cassidy Louise Villeneuve

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Jacob Langeslag be held accountable for neglecting 92 goats to death. This man’s cruel neglect must be met with the harshest consequences to ensure that he can never inflict such horror on an animal again. The goats in Langeslag’s care suffered greatly before dying – we do not want to see a paltry slap-on-the-wrist for this man; we want significant prison time and a lifetime ban on owning or residing with animals.

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice for the innocent goats whose lives were cruelly stolen but also endangers the community at large. We must send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

Fox 9

Valley News Live

WDIO

KFGO

Update 7/18/2025:The Omnibus Hearing held on July 16, 2025, resulted in a competency evaluation being ordered by Judicial Officer Sarah McBroom. Case Name: Jacob Langeslag Case Number: 31-CR-25-1157Order Date: July 16, 2025.
Order Type: Evaluation for Competency to Proceed (Rule 20.01)Judicial Officer: Sarah McBroom Index Number: 21

Update 7/14/2025: Animal Victory sent a petition to the DA and the judge. 

Update 6/3/2025: Jacob Langeslag has an Omnibus Hearing scheduled for 7/16/2025 at 1:30 PM.