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A Morgan County man has been charged with second degree animal abuse.

On January 9, authorities found 15 dead and 20 starving cattle on a Stover property leased to Ed Coleman. The dead cattle were found in various stages of decomposition. Thirteen cow skulls and a large number of bones were also scattered on the property, which Coleman leases.

A malnourished calf died a few days after being removed from the property.

The sheriff's office requested 50 charges, but only the second degree animal abuse charge was filed.

Coleman will go to court in March.

UPDATE: As of March 22, Coleman's preliminary hearing had been scheduled for June 7.