Serial Cattle Killer Might Be On The Loose In New Mexico

CARLSBAD, NM — Several more cattle were shot to death in southern New Mexico stoking fears that a serial bovine killer might be running amok.

Aug. 1 in the 600 block of Angel Ranch Road, police said.

Another six cattle on two separate properties were shot and killed Tuesday, the Eddy County Sheriff's Office announced, the Carlsbad Current-Argus reported. Investigators were called to the scene on the 600 block of Angel Ranch Road, police said. The gunman used a high-caliber rifle in the shooting from within a half-mile radius.

Deputies say the shootings weren't accidental and don't believe the cows were slaughtered for meat because they were left in fields. The case is being labeled as one of "extreme animal cruelty," a fourth-degree felony.(For more information on this and other Across New Mexico stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

The shootings come after another cow shooting in June south of Carlsbad.

Lt. Matt Hutchinson says Eddy County has seen an uptick in cattle shootings this year.

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