Reward Offered In Logan County, Okla. Cow Decapitation

December 17, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for decapitating a cow owned by a Logan County rancher. ­­­­­

The Case:

News reports give the following account: Rancher Bruce Carlson discovered his cow's dead body Dec. 9 on his land near County Road 69 and Rockwell. He thinks the cow was killed earlier that morning. Investigators and Carlson believe the cow was killed and decapitated for his horns. The mixed-breed black Angus had black horns that were about 20 inches across the base and 8 inches tall. Their unusual color and size could yield hundreds of dollars.

Animal Cruelty:

Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.

"Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Cynthia Armstrong, The Humane Society of the United States' Oklahoma state director. "We should have no tolerance for the callous harming of any animal, including farm animals."

The Investigators:

Col. Mike Grimes with the Oklahoma Agriculture, Food and Forestry Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call (405) 522-6102. 

Resources:

The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. To see our journalists' animal cruelty resource guide, which includes information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, go to: humanesociety.org/crueltyresources.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.