MADISON COUNTY, Texas — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths and mutilations of cattle along TX-Old San Antonio Road (OSR).
Officials say ranchers reported a 6-year-old longhorn-cross cow was found dead, mutilated and lying on her on their ranch.
"A straight, clean cut, with apparent precision, had been made to remove the hide around the cow’s mouth on one side, leaving the meat under the removed hide untouched," the MCSO said. "The tongue was also completely removed from the body with no blood spill. It was noted there were no signs of struggle and the grass around the cow was undisturbed. No footprints or tire tracks were noted in the area."
The MCSO says ranchers also reported no predators or birds would scavenge the remains of the cow, leaving it to decay untouched for several weeks.
"While looking into the longhorn-cross’ death, five other similar occurrences involving four adult cows and one yearling were reported along the area of OSR running into Brazos County, as well as Robertson County," the MCSO said. "Each incident occurred in different locations, pastures and herds."
Officials say the other cows were found lying on one side with the exposed side of their face cut along the jaw line and the tongue, once again, removed.
"On two of the five cows, a circular cut was made removing the anus and the external genitalia," the MCSO said. "This circular cut was made with the same precision as the cuts noted around the jaw lines of each cow."
The investigation is ongoing.
"Multiple similar incidents have been reported across the United States and we are actively coordinating with other agencies to find answers," the MCSO said.
If you have any information, contact the MCSO at 936-348-2755.