Claremore Daily Progress

Chelsea

June 8, 2012

REWARD OFFERED: Chelsea calf slaughter case continues

Salesha Wilken Staff Reporter

CHELSEA — Investigators with the Rogers County Sheriff’s office continue to look for suspects that are responsible for the slaughter of a calf near Chelsea.

The investigation is receiving help from John Cummings, a marshal for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

The TSCRA is now offering a $500 reward fro information leading to the arrest or indictment of suspects involved with the killing and butchering of the calf.

According to the RCSO, the calf was slaughtered in the roadway in the rural Chelsea area.

The crime occurred May 27 on County Road 4200, near the ranch of Rob Bacon.

Bacon discovered one of his calves skinned and butchered on the east side of the roadway.

It was stolen from Bacon’s ranch near Chelsea. After taking the meat, the thieves left the remnants in a rotting heap on the road.

The detectives also believe that area residents may have information about the crime and encourage witnesses to come forward.

Investigators say cattle thefts have risen the past several years, and cost the ranchers much more than the cost of the cow.

This is the third calf butchered in the area in the past six months, according to Cummmings.

“We have a lot more people out here stealing scraps, stealing tractors, trailer, and cattle,” Cummings said. “Cattle prices are up, so cattle are a pretty hot commodity.”

Cummings works with local law enforcement across the state to catch thieves that prey on local farmers and ranchers.

If charged the suspects could receive up to five years in prison on cruelty to animal charges.

Beyond the initial expense to Bacon, there are long lasting effects of this crime. It will take more than a year for Bacon to recover from the loss of income.

The calf could have provided approximately $800 or $900 in income and now Bacon will have to wait for the next calving season to get the opportunity to raise another calf.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call the Rogers County tip line at 918-341-3620 or TSCRA’s Operation Cow Thief hotline at (888) 830-2333.

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