A man has been arrested in Larimer County after he allegedly shot and killed cattle that belonged to his neighbors. Michael Hester has been arrested and faces several charges including aggravated animal cruelty, second-degree criminal trespass, theft of certain animals and shooting across a public highway.
Larimer County Sheriff’s deputies were called on April 1 on reports that a man, identified as Hester, had shot and killed livestock around his property on Buckhorn Road. Neighbors told deputies that Hester had driven a UTV around while shooting at their livestock.
Deputies located seven dead cattle in various locations around the area. They also found an eighth cow that had been critically injured and had to be euthanized.
The value of the dead cattle was estimated at more than $30,000.
Hester was arrested and issued a $5,000 personal recognizance bond by the Larimer County Court.
“This crime shows a disturbing disregard for life and livelihood,” said Undersheriff Joe Shellhammer, who leads the LCSO Operations Division, in a statement. “We know how much these animals mean to our ranching community, and we won’t tolerate actions that threaten their welfare.”
The Colorado statute commonly known as “Open Range Law” allows livestock owners to graze animals without containment. Those who wish to restrict livestock access to their property are required to fence off those areas.
Deputies said on April 1, they got a report that the man, 37-year-old Michael Hester, had shot and killed livestock around his property on Buckhorn Road west of Fort Collins. Neighbors told deputies Hester had driven a UTV around while shooting at their livestock, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies found a total of seven dead cattle in the area. They also found an eighth that had been critically injured and had to be euthanized, the sheriff’s office said.
The dead cattle belonged to two different neighbors. The sheriff’s office said the total loss is estimated to be more than $30,000.
Hester was arrested on the following charges, the sheriff’s office said:
- Nine counts of aggravated animal cruelty
- Eight counts of theft of certain animals
- Second-degree criminal trespass
- Shooting across a public highway
He was given a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.
The sheriff’s office said the Colorado statute commonly known as the “Open Range Law” allows livestock owners to graze animals without containment. Residents who want to restrict livestock access to their property are required to fence off these areas, the sheriff’s office said.
Culled from 9News