7 cattle die in Umatilla County due to tampering with water sources

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. - Seven cattle from one herd were reported dead in the Weston area on Monday due to their water source being removed or shut off, according to the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office. The deaths occurred since mid-way last week. While only one cattle grower has reported cattle dying, multiple growers off Highway 204 have apparently fallen victim to similar crimes. Authorities say the growers have had floats from water tanks removed or water valves shut off, cutting off the herd’s water source. A number of cattle have been reported as being in "bad shape" as temperatures hit triple digits, according to a Facebook post. “It’s very odd to say the least,” Sheriff Terry Rowan said. “We’ve never experienced something like this, or at least it’s never been reported to us.”...MORE