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Young Living Lavender Farm employee accused of animal cruelty

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JUAB COUNTY, Utah — An employee from an herb farm and distillery in Juab County was arrested after accusations of animal cruelty surfaced.

On April 1, Juab County Sheriff’s Office responded toYoung Living Lavender Farm in Mona on a report to keep the peace.

Deputies received information the manager of the farm was in the process of firing employee, Freeman Yoder, 38, after video evidence revealed he had allegedly beat a farm horse, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

The manager requested deputies be on standby to assist in keeping the peace until Yoder left the property, according to the release.

When deputies arrived on scene, they were approached by the manager and employees.

The manager at the farm provided the deputies with video recordings, which had been taken by guests that revealed one of the farm horses being abused by Yoder, the release states.

After reviewing the videos and interviewing employees, the release states, Yoder was arrested and booked into Juab County Jail on the charge of animal cruelty.

In a statement from Young Living Farms, it states the employee’s actions were completely unacceptable.

Officials at the herb farm state Yoder was immediately terminated and the alleged crime was reported to the sheriff’s office.

“We are fully cooperating with the Juab County Sheriff’s Office will press charges to see that this individual is prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the statement indicates. “Young Living has strict policies around animal care, and condemns any animal mistreatment or abuse.”

Young Living Farms is the largest herb farm and distillery in the world according to the company’s website.

The farm is nearly 1,400 acres of herbs, which is open to the public year-round.