Posted Sunday June 17, 2012 -- 7:31 a.m.

TOWN OF BELLE PLAINE, Wis. (AP) -- Shawano County deputies investigating a report of a foul odor emanating from a barn say they found 24 dead cattle inside.

A 50-year-old Shawano man has been arrested on tentative charges of animal neglect.

The sheriff's department says someone reported the foul odor on Friday. Other neighbors in the area confirmed smelling the same stench.

Authorities acquired a search warrant and searched the farm in the Town of Belle Plaine. They found two dozen dead cattle of varying ages.

Sheriff's Sergeant Scott Wedemayer says the man's case has been forwarded to the prosecutor's office, and Wedemayer predicts charges could come as soon as Monday.

The felony animal-neglect charge would carry a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.