Authorities in Duchesne County are investigating a bizarre and cruel crime involving two breeding bulls in Utah's Uintah Basin. According to a November 9 report, the animals survived after being shot in the testicles, an act described by local rancher Jay Burton as extremely sad.
The bulls, owned by Duchesne County rancher Treven Jensen, were discovered injured after Jensen returned from a hunting trip on Friday. While Jensen initially suspected dogs had entered his pasture, a veterinarian determined the animals had been shot through their reproductive organs. Jay Burton, a neighbor and county brand inspector, noted that the wounds appeared to be from a small-caliber firearm fired at close range, requiring the shooter to venture well onto private property away from public roads.
Duchesne County Sheriff's Capt. John Crowley stated that investigators have no leads, no suspects, and have not recovered any bullets. The incidents were reported Nov. 6, though the shootings may have occurred days earlier. The bulls have been treated with antibiotics and steroid injections and survived, though it remains unclear if they will be able to breed again. In response to the livestock shootings in the county, a reward of up to $20,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
This incident follows a pattern of livestock shootings in the region. In October, another bull belonging to the father-in-law of Wade Heaton was shot on a property about 20 miles east of Jensen's ranch. Additionally, Burton noted that five calves were shot and killed approximately one year ago about five miles from Jensen's property. Wyoming state Sen. Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, characterized the targeted attacks on breeding bulls as an act of pure malice that destroys the animals' economic value.
Under Utah law, the intentional, unauthorized injury or killing of livestock is a criminal offense. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the livestock: it is a third-degree felony if the value is between $750 and $5,000, and a second-degree felony if the value exceeds $5,000.
