Daily News Update, Jan. 03, 2008

TSCRA offers reward for information in cattle killings

A reward is being offered for information regarding the almost 30 head of cattle that have been reported as shot and killed in a concentrated area in Northeastern Oklahoma since August. As recently as a few days ago, three bred cows and one llama were killed at a ranch near Claremore, Okla., about 30 miles northeast of Tulsa.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger John Cummings, who has been working with area game rangers and sheriff's departments on the case, says the number of incidences is still on the rise. He received four reports just Wednesday.

In addition to working to solve the case, Cummings and local officials are trying to spread the word to cattle producers that this is a real threat and to be on the lookout on their own ranches.

"We need them to check their cattle regularly," he said. "And we need them to not assume that a dead cow is a natural death. Gunshot—especially from a high-powered rifle—will go through and through and it's very hard sometimes to find a gunshot wound," Cummings said.

"There's very little blood because some of these cattle drop right in their tracks. If there is any doubt, call us. The game wardens have expertise in determining how an animal was killed, whether or not it was a gunshot."

The investigators are calling on the public's help to solve this crime. Through its Operation Cow Thief, TSCRA is offering a reward to citizens who provide information leading to the arrest or grand jury indictment of individuals responsible for the cattle deaths. An informant may remain anonymous by giving a pseudonym and may be paid by cashier's check made out to the bearer. The toll-free phone line, (888) 830-2333, is monitored 24 hours a day.