Itasca County (trfnews.i234.me) — A disturbing case of animal cruelty has emerged in Itasca County, Minnesota, where 42-year-old Jacob Langeslag faces 20 charges, including 14 felony counts of animal torture. Authorities allege that neglect under his care led to the deaths of 92 goats.
According to court documents, Langeslag was residing on a property with his goats when the property owner’s daughter reported seeing numerous dead goats in their pen. She also noted that the living goats lacked access to water, prompting her to provide some.
On February 25, 2025, Itasca County deputies responded to the residence and discovered three piles of dead goats. Additional goat carcasses, stripped to the bone, were found to the south of the property. Deputies observed multiple goat legs hanging from the roof of Langeslag’s enclosed fish house-style trailer, which appeared to have been torn from the dead animals.
Within the fenced area housing the surviving goats, several buckets were found—only one contained dirty water, while the rest were empty. There was no available water source for the goats. It was later learned that Langeslag would occasionally drill holes in a nearby swamp to provide water and cut down trees for the goats to feed on, leading to severe malnutrition. Fecal samples from the surviving goats revealed infestations of whipworms, strongyles, and coccidia.
Langeslag has been charged with 14 counts of felony animal torture, three counts of overwork/mistreatment of an animal by depriving it of food or shelter, and three counts of improper disposal of animal carcasses. His court date is set for May 28. Additionally, records indicate a pending misdemeanor animal cruelty case in Rice County, where Langeslag is accused of neglecting a horse, resulting in significant weight loss.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Did you know?
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In Minnesota, felony animal torture charges can result in significant prison time and fines.
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Proper disposal of animal carcasses is regulated to prevent environmental contamination and disease spread.
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Neglecting to provide adequate food, water, and shelter to animals constitutes a criminal offense under state law.
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Parasites like whipworms, strongyles, and coccidia can cause severe health issues in livestock if not properly managed.