Stolen Holsteins Returned to Tiverton Farm [VIDEO]

High View Farm owner Arthur Smith looked at 12 tired cows back in their barn and still could not believe the trip they've had in the week's time. The Tiverton that's gained national attention may have came to a close on Thursday, with the cattle deemed safe to return home.

George Krivda, spokesman for the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, said that a representative returned to the Beriah-Lewis Farm in North Stonington, CT, early Thursday morning to say the tests conducted on the stolen cows came back negative, and were healthy to go back to Rhode Island.

Even though report that one man, Ledyard Lewis, confessed to taking the cows on March 15, Smith believes that five more people came to his farm during the day to rustle them off the property. Original reports state 18 cows were stolen, and then Krivda said there was a on the Beriah-Lewis Farm that only 12 were removed. Smith, on Thursday, denied there was a dispute over the number.

Lewis, 41, of 273 Boombridge Road, North Stonington, CT, was charged with larceny over $500 (a felony) and theft of animals. He was arraigned by Justice of Peace Molly Cote and was released on $10,000 personal recognizance.

Asked whether there was a dispute with Lewis over debt he owed for the cows, Smith said that's between him and Lewis.

Smith added that milk production dropped due to the missing cows, and he will look to move the 12 Holsteins back into the group when they're ready. He said he has about 150 to 160 dairy cows.