The two Racine men accused of letting 22 of their cattle die earlier this year pleaded not guilty Monday in Mower County District Court.

Donald Sween, 76, and Michael Sween, 52, have been charged with misdemeanors after 22 cattle died and two more were taken to another facility when deputies responded to a report of animal neglect during a February blizzard.

Due to health issues, the residents were unable to care for the cattle for several days, according to Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi.

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 accident.

The two were granted a public defender Monday. A pretrial is set for Aug. 28.