Michigan Heavy Metal Musician Accused Of Animal Neglect (Video)

May 11, 2011

According to The Oakland Press, Steven Banch Jr. the 39-year-old member of SPYDER BABY (MySpace page),the Michigan-based industrial metal band that describes its music online as "unapologetically dark and edgy" is scheduled to be in court June 3 for several animal-related charges, including failing to bury a cow that died on his farm. Banch is also accused of allowing animals to roam free and having unlicensed dogs.

The owner of Cowbell Dairy Farm about 40 miles northwest of Detroit is fighting the charges and says the cow died of natural causes.

Fox 2 Detroit reported on troubles with the farm this week, broadcasting gory photos of animal bones, rotting carcasses and cow heads that littered Banch's property. (see video report below.)

Larry Obrecht, Oakland County Animal Control manager, said his staff has been out to Banch's farm "several times" and taken Banch to court twice in the past.

"The place is a mess," said Obrecht, describing the farm.

MINISTRY mastermind Al Jourgensen remixed and co-produced SPYDER BABY's "Bitter" which was released by Blind Prophecy Records in early 2008.

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