Larimer County police arrested a man for allegedly shooting eight of his neighbors’ cows, seven of which died.
Michael Hester, 37, was arrested in connection to the shooting and killing of cattle on two Buckhorn Road properties following an April 1 report from one of the property owners. Hester allegedly drove a utility vehicle around the area, shooting eight cows, critically injuring one and killing seven, according to a press release from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LSCO).
The eighth cow was later found and euthanized.
Following a search warrant, deputies found the carcasses of seven cows. They then enlisted a brand inspector and licensed livestock appraiser to confirm the ownership and value of the animals, leading to a combined estimate of over $30,000 lost for the two neighbors.
Hester was later arrested and released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond by the Larimer County Court. He faces felony charges of:
- Aggravated animal cruelty – 9 counts
- Second-degree criminal trespass
- Theft of certain animals – 8 counts
- Shooting across public highway
Colorado’s “Open Range Law” allows livestock owners to graze animals without containment, the department said. Residents who want to restrict livestock access to their property are required to fence off these areas.
“This crime shows a disturbing disregard for life and livelihood,” Undersheriff Joe Shellhammer, who leads the LCSO Operations Division, said in the news release. “We know how much these animals mean to our ranching community, and we won’t tolerate actions that threaten their welfare.”
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