Authorities Looking For Cattle Killers

Nearly 30 cows have been shot and killed since August.  The most recent was on New Year's Eve.  The senseless crime is costing ranchers big.  News On 6's anchor Craig Day reports John Cummings, a Special Ranger with the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, is working to track down a killer.

"It kind of boggles your mind.  We see a lot of senseless crimes but this is one of the most," said Cummings.

Most of the cases happened in Nowata, Rogers, Craig and Mayes Counties.  Ten of the cows were partially butchered on the spot, but lately the cattle are being shot and left to die.

"The nature of this crime is really quick.  Somebody drive in.  Get out of the car, drive back out.  It doesn't take very long," said Rogers County Undersheriff Barry Lamb.

Investigators are passing out reward fliers at feed and agriculture stores, and reminding ranchers to be on the lookout.  The Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, Rogers and Nowata County deputies, and the State Agriculture Department have formed a task force to find who is responsible.

Members of the task force have stepped up their patrols as well, but considering the area where the cattle were killed stretches 100 to 120 square miles, they say help from the public is critical.  Ranchers should watch out for suspicious vehicles and activity and report it.

"We're going to do what it takes to bring these guys to justice and they're going to face justice.  It's just a matter of when," said Cummings.

Anyone with information in the case could earn a reward.  Both the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association and the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association are offering separate rewards of up to $10,000.  Callers can remain anonymous.  You can also call the Rogers or Nowata County Sheriff's Office or the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture's Investigator.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association:  918-342-0888

Operation Cow Thief:  888-830-2333

Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association:  405-235-4391

Rogers County Sheriff Office:  918-341-3535

Nowata County Sheriffs Office:  918-273-2287