New Mexico cow shootings prompt fears of serial cattle killer

CARLSBAD, N.M. – The fatal shootings of several cows in southeastern New Mexico have sparked fears of a serial cattle killer running loose.

The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that another six cattle on two separate properties were shot and killed. Detectives say a high-calibre rifle was used in the shooting from within a half-mile radius.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Deputies have ruled out an accidental shooting and don’t believe the cows are being killed for meat because they were left in fields.

READ MORE: Around 200 cattle found dead in southwest Sask.

The case is being labeled as one of “extreme animal cruelty,” which is a fourth-degree felony.

The shootings come after another cow shooting in June south of Carlsbad.

Lt. Matt Hutchinson says Eddy County has seen an uptick in cattle shootings this year.