Dozens Of Animal Carcasses Found Near Grantsville Home

GRANTSVILLE, Utah — Representatives of a local farm and petting zoo said their animals are properly cared for and any reports of mistreatment are false after a Utah woman posted a Facebook video showing dozens of animal carcasses near a Grantsville home.

Grantsville resident Heidi Jensen said she found the carcasses during a walk two weeks ago and the incident left her as upset as she’s ever been.

“It’s hard,” she said. “I’ve had about three hours of sleep since I made that video two days ago.

Jensen was near her Grantsville home when she found dozens of animal carcasses on private property next to Ivie Acres Farms, which also operates as a petting zoo for children’s parties.

“(There were) more bones that I have ever seen in my life put together,” she said. “Those animals deserve a better life than what they’re getting.”

KSL went to contact the company but its website and social media pages had been scrubbed of any information. The phone number for owner Sherrie Ivie no longer is in service but Ivie responded with an email.

“None of it is true just angry neighbor harassing us. We are filing a lawsuit against her today. There will be charges filed against any who slander us.” Ivie said in the email.

Grantsville Police officers looked at the current animals alive at the farm and said none of them appear to be neglected or abused.

“Approximately 3-percent of animals on the farm pass away during each year due to age, illness, or unfortunate injury,” Ivie’s legal representatives wrote later Wednesday. “This rate is equal to or lower than the industry standard. Ivie Acres Farms provides immediate and necessary care to any of its animals that may be in distress.

“Ivie Acres strongly disagrees with any claims that its animals are mistreated. Its owners and volunteers are passionate animal lovers that spend every day with their animals to ensure their wellbeing. Any claims regarding mistreatment of any animal are completely false.”

Jensen said she isn’t buying the response and doesn’t think it’s right, even if no laws were broken.

“You speak up for those who don’t have a voice,” she said. “I just don’t want it to continue.”

Officials with the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office said they are checking to see if any laws were broken.

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The full statement from Cartwright Law Firm is included below.

Ivie Acres Farms is privileged to own and care for over 100 farm and exotic animals. Ivie Acres and its owners closely monitor the health and wellbeing of all of its animals, including providing regular veterinary care and periodic inspections by the U.S.D.A. to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment.

Approximately 3-percent of animals on the farm pass away during each year due to age, illness, or unfortunate injury. This rate is equal to or lower than the industry standard. Ivie Acres Farms provides immediate and necessary care to any of its animals that may be in distress.

Ivie Acres strongly disagrees with any claims that its animals are mistreated. Its owners and volunteers are passionate animal lovers that spend every day with their animals to ensure their wellbeing. Any claims regarding mistreatment of any animal are completely false. In response to a recent unfounded complaint, the Grantsville Police Department investigated the welfare of
the animals, and stated that no animals appeared to be in any distress.

Ivie Acres Farms will continue to provide quality care and loving attention to all of its precious animals.