Authorities are trying to determine who illegally shot and killed two cows belonging to Eddy County cattle owners

CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) - Authorities are trying to determine who illegally shot and killed two cows belonging to Eddy County cattle owners. The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports that the killing has elicited a $1,000 reward from the Eddy County Cattle Growers, an organization devoted to issues affecting ranchers. According to the Eddy County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded Saturday to find the abandoned cows. Investigators believe the animals were shot sometime between Thursday and Saturday. The total direct loss is estimated at $2,800, excluding additional costs such as potential future calves. Undersheriff Mark Cage says it doesn't appear the cattle were killed to obtain meat, as they had not been butchered. He says it looks like the cattle were killed just for cruelty.