For 13 long years, Kevin Gaegan has watched what he calls 'the killing fields' that border his Skagit County property. "It's been 13 years. How much time do you need to take action on this?"
Last week, Gaegan took video of what he says is farmer Roger Pederson improperly disposing of dead cattle -- leaving them to rot in the fields. By law, dead livestock must be appropriately buried or removed from a property within 24 hours. Gaegan claims over the years some of the cows have even been dumped in water ways that could contaminate nearby Padilla Bay. He worries about diseases that could be carried by coyotes and other wildlife that feed on the carcasses and the wide ranging effects they could have.
"Maybe they'll wake up if some kid gets leptospirosis and has to be on dialysis. Maybe that's a wake up call," said Gaegan.
This is far from the first time Gaegan has complained.
KING 5 cameras have been to the property twice before. In 2005 officials served a search warrant on the 120 acre property and discovered more than 170 dead cows. Pederson was cited and sentenced to probation but Gaegan says the dumping continues.
"What's disgusting to me is the authorities haven't done anything significant in all this time."
Pederson faces fines of $400 per day. Joanne Lynn of the Skagit County Health Department has only been on the job for seven months and says she isn't familiar with the 13-year backstory. She did, however, say things will change under her watch.
"I intend to make sure this behavior stops," she said. "It takes time and everyone is entitled to due process. That said, it is a public health risk. We will not tolerate it."
Pederson is scheduled to appear before the Board of Health in February. Repeated calls to him were not returned Monday.
