AUSTIN — Two Mower County residents have been charged with misdemeanors after 22 cattle died and two more were taken to another facility when deputies responded to a report near Racine of animal neglect during a February blizzard.

Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi confirmed Monday that Donald Sween, 76, and Michael Sween, 52, were cited last week over the February incident.

Due to health issues, the residents were unable to care for the cattle for several days.

Amazi said earlier this month she was reluctant to file charges and described the issue as a destitute situation, as the residents were struggling to care for themselves after they were involved in a serious car crash.