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