Quapaw man charged with animal cruelty after 32 bison die of dehydration

The man responsible for managing the Quapaw Nation's bison herd is facing 63 felony animal cruelty charges following an August incident that left 32 bison dead.

27-year-old Brady Kropp, of Quapaw, is charged with one count involving each of the 32 bison that died and 31 surviving animals that were treated by veterinarians.

The deaths were linked to dehydration.

Among the animals lost was Frosty, an extremely rare white bison that had become one of the Nation's best-known animals.

Each animal cruelty charge carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison, a $1,500 fine, or both.

The Nation initially announced on August 28 that several bison had died but did not disclose the scale of the loss.

Officials later confirmed 32 animals died and 143 remained, meaning roughly 18% of the herd was lost.

The Nation subsequently implemented twice-daily herd checks, additional employee training, and daily monitoring records while working to increase water capacity through pond improvements, additional watering equipment, and a new well.

The Quapaw Nation said Tuesday it is aware charges have been filed and thanked citizens and community members for their patience during the investigation.

The Nation added that it respects the judicial process and will release additional info as permitted while the case proceeds.