Sheriff Investigates After Arrows Used To Kill Cattle Near Oologah

NewsOn6.com

OOLOGAH, Oklahoma -- The Rogers County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of five cows near Oologah.

Rancher Lyle Blakley thought a lightning strike had killed one of his cows. Then a bull turned up dead and Blakley became suspicious.

"As soon as I seen the bull I rolled it over. It had an arrow broke off in it," Blakley said.

Early Tuesday morning, someone used the cattle as target practice.

"I just can't figure it out. Why would they do that?" he said.

Eight were shot and five of those were killed. Several were pregnant and nearly ready to calve.

"Different places. One right in the chest, one just through the top of his back, one of the cows was through the ribs," Blakley said.

"The care that goes to these animals year round. They are all very important to our livelihood and our way of life," said cattle owner Steve Branen.

There was at least $15,000 in damage. Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton says they'll take the arrows for physical evidence. They'll look for fingerprints and tracking numbers.

"It would definitely be a hunting grade set up that would be able to make a 40 or 50 yard shot like this," said Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton.

Walton says he's seen cattle butchered for their meat. But he says this is a completely senseless act.

"Nothing we'd like more than to make an example or trophy out of these thugs that think this is funny," he said.

"This is just random. If someone needed the meat, it would be a different thing. This is just meanness," Blakley said.

The Roger's County Sheriff is asking anyone with information to call the anonymous tip line at 918 – 341 -3620.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raiser Association has put up a $1,000 reward.