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Team coverageRewards are being offered in the effort to find the person who shot and killed 10 cattle in Tooele County.
The owner, Martin Anderson, found several of his cows killed by gunshots and several more cows wounded.
Anderson reported the shootings to the Tooele County Sheriff's Office. So far, investigators haven't identified any suspects. The shootings happened about three miles south of the I-80 Rowley exit. Anderson said it probably happened Thursday night. He said, "My speculation is that they were just shooting at cows on this dirt road as they were going around on the road."
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 Ronnie Johnson or Deputy Wally Wickham at 435-843-4705.
Anderson's losses are estimated at $15,000. The Humane Society, the Farm Bureau and the Utah Cattlemen's Association are offering a $6,500 reward for information and conviction in this case.
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
