Two pay restitution after killing cattle with a bow and arrow

Two Oklahoma men who used a bow and arrow to kill eight head of cattle in 2011 will pay $85,000 in restitution to victims, including a young 4-H member who lost her show calf.

Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) reports Traton Tyler Vanderpool, 20, and Jared Wade Barlass, 21, were released Friday from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections RID program on 4 years probation. Both initially faced nine counts of animal cruelty.

Vanderpool and Barlass shot nine cattle including a pregnant cow which lost its calf. One of the nine survived after it was shot in the leg.

The criminals were both avid hunters using the animals as target practice. They turned themselves in after the TSCRA and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Department received a number of tips.

“We’re glad to see that the victims of this senseless crime, the ranchers who lost their cattle will receive proper restitution from the persons responsible,” said TSCRA Special Ranger John Cummings. “The amount of restitution ordered sends a clear message to would be criminals that stealing or killing livestock in Oklahoma will not be tolerated.”

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