$5,000 Reward Offered in Cattle Shootings

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

ELMORE CITY, Oklahoma – Garvin County authorities are trying to figure out who is going around and shooting livestock. Several cows and horses have been shot to death and the animals' owners are losing money and patience.

Lloyd Coppin takes care of more than 30 cattle on the ranch he manages. Two weeks ago, he made a troubling discovery--someone had shot and killed one of his yearlings.

"I thought, 'Oh no. Man, not again'" said Coppin. "Everything started about this time last year. We lost five high-dollar cows back off in that bigger pasture."

Those five had also been shot. The Sheriff says there's a lot of this going around.

"I'd say dating back about six months we've had several cattle and horses that have been shot just randomly; it doesn't seem to be any set pattern," Garvin County Sheriff Steve Brooks said.

And just yesterday another cow was found shot in another part of the county. Though he doesn't own these cattle, Coppin takes these losses personally.

"It takes a toll on you, you know," said Coppin. "You're out here every day with them, you know, making sure they're fed, you know, all vaccinations to keep them healthy, looking good."

The cattle owner has had enough. He's putting up a $5,000 reward to anyone who can solve these shootings. But so far authorities have no suspects.

Coppin spends more time these days patrolling the ranch with his horse and his rifle. He hopes he doesn't have to shoot at anyone threatening the cattle.

"But I would hold them at gunpoint if I did have to till the proper authorities did get here," Coppin said.

If you have any information on who shot the cattle, call the Garvin County Sheriff at 238-7591.