NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — Florida man shoots cow – A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly shooting a neighbor’s cow five times when it wandered onto his property, resulting in felony charges for animal cruelty and theft, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred on May 13, prompting a response from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit, which received reports of animal cruelty from a ranch on Sharon Drive.
Calf Sustained Multiple Gunshot Wounds
Upon arrival, deputies learned that the 2-year-old calf had been found on a neighboring property with gunshot wounds to the gut, chest, and rear leg. A veterinarian determined the injuries were too severe for survival, and the calf was humanely euthanized.
Prior Threats Against Livestock Cited
According to officials, the calf’s owner told deputies that 54-year-old Hung Trinh, the neighbor, had previously expressed anger over animals crossing property lines and had threatened to shoot them.
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Firearm Discovered in Search
Detectives executed a search warrant and found a .22 caliber firearm in a shed on Trinh’s property, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting.
“There will be accountability for taking your frustrations out on innocent animals,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “We value our farming community, and we will not tolerate such actions. I’m proud of our Agriculture Unit for the swift arrest.”
Felony Charges Filed, Investigation Ongoing
Trinh was taken into custody and charged with felony animal cruelty and grand theft of a commercial farm animal. Authorities say the investigation is still active as further evidence is reviewed.
