Several mother cows and a week old calf were shot to death recent on a Skull Valley ranch. The shootings occurred sometime last week. The Tooele County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crime.

The ranch owner, martin Anderson, found several of his cows killed by gunshot and several more cows wounded. Anderson had to take those wounded cows to be slaughtered. “The calves were all lying by their dead mothers – that’s a sad sight to see,” Anderson said. Now those calves half to be bottle fed. Anderson is a third generation cattle rancher. The rancher estimates the value of the loss at more than ten thousand dollars.

Anderson reported the shooting to the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives and animal control/brand inspection officers are looking into the cow shooting case. So far investigators haven’t identified any suspects.

Chief Deputy Duke North says, “It’s unfortunate that this type of thing happens here. Much of Tooele County is very remote and is used for legitimate recreational purposes. However, some people feel like they can come here and do what they want.” He added, “This kind of crime is not only a felony offense, it’s a heinous animal cruelty crime because of the suffering the animals endure. We intend to do all we can to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

If anyone saw something suspicious in the Skull Valley area last week, or has any other information that may be helpful in this investigation, please contact Tooele County Sheriff’s Detective Ronny Johnson or Deputy Wally Wickham at 435-843-4705.

The Humane Society of Utah is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the shooter.