Sheriff investigates cattle shootings

By MIKE CORN
mcorn@dailynews.net

The Ellis County Sheriff's office is investigating reports of several cattle being shot.

At least five have been shot so far, Ellis County Sheriff Ed Harbin said Wednesday, one of which was killed outright. His office has been tracking down other reports of cattle being shot, but has not been able to substantiate them.

The latest incident was Saturday, when a cow was shot, but not killed.

The shootings appear to be somewhat random, according to Harbin, reported in the central part of the county as well as in the northwest part.

His office had looked at the possibility that the shootings might have been connected to an incident in December in Rush County, but they've been unable to make that link.

Animals have been shot both with a high-powered rifle and a small-caliber rifle.

One of the animals shot with the high-powered rifle was killed outright, but two others had to be put down because the extent of injuries were so severe. Cattle shot with the small-caliber rifle survived, Harbin said.

The shootings first started Feb. 19, continuing through Saturday, and they have been nighttime incidents.

In one case, Harbin said, the cattle were calving, so the owner had checked them at about 10:30 p.m. and again at 4 a.m., when he found the injured animals.

So far, no arrests have been made.

"We're looking at several different angles right now," he said. "We've got some information we're following up on."

Harbin said he'd like to hear from anyone who might have information on the cases.

"If anybody has information, we'd be more than happy to listen to them," he said.

The sheriff's office can be contacted at (785) 625-1040.

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