Novice rustlers may have shot Woodland cattle

WOODLAND, Wash. — Woodland rancher Bob Smith says he's selling off the 25 cattle remaining in his herd because of recent attacks that may be the work of novice rustlers.

One of his cows was shot dead last month by someone who tried to drag the carcass up a road. The cow's throat and belly were cut, but no meat was taken.

On Monday Smith discovered a bull and cow had been shot in the hindquarters with hunting arrows. They are expected to recover.

Cowlitz County Humane Society animal control supervisor Mike Nicholson told The Daily News the recent incidents could be the work of poachers searching for food who have no experience slaughtering beef.