Beloved pet cow died after vet says someone used potato-launcher to hurl softballs at her

Courtesy KPHO-TV



PHOENIX, Arizona (KPHO) -- An Arizona family is mourning the loss of their pet cow after authorities say someone may have used a potato-launcher to shoot more than a dozen softballs at her.

The family woke up Friday morning and found the beloved animal gravely injured on their ranch in north Phoenix.

Police said it does not appear to an accident, because the cow was surrounded by more than a dozen softballs.

"The early indications are that perhaps this cow was injured by someone who may have thrown these softballs at this cow," said Sgt. Steve Martos. "Unfortunately, as I understand it, this cow had to be put down by a vet."

A neighborhood block watch issued an alert that said the vet who euthanized the cow believed a potato-launcher was used to pelt her – because of how badly she was hurt.

The bulletin said a total of 13 neon and white softballs were found on the field.

Some were marked: DSMS, for Desert Shadow Middle School.

Neighbors told KPHO-TV they sickened that anyone would hurt an innocent animal and hoped neighborhood kids weren't behind the crime.

"We actually love having this rancher here," said David Jones, who lives near the ranch where the cow was injured. "It kind of gives you a sense of country in the neighborhood, driving by and seeing the cows and seeing the farmland. So, it really disturbs me that somebody would do this in our neighborhood."

Martos said police are investigating this as a case of animal cruelty.

Because the cow died, whoever is caught will likely be charged with a felony.

If you saw anything suspicious in the area of 52nd St. and Bell Rd., Thursday night into Friday morning, call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.