BY FRANK ANDRUSCAVAGE

PITMAN — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating the shooting of five cows at a barn in Eldred Township.

The incident, police said, occurred at Heffler Farms, 120 Helfenstein Road, Pitman, during the overnight hours Sunday into Monday.

Police said someone shot the animals, killing three and forcing the owner to have another put down. A fifth cow was injured but is expected to survive, police said.

The animals have an estimated value of between $1,200 and $1,800 each, police said, adding that those responsible, if apprehended, will have felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor cruelty to animals charges against them.

James Heffler, owner of the farm, said the cows were in a barn with an open front facing the highway.

"I'm sure that was the attraction," he said about the animals being in plain view.

Heffler said he thinks the animals were shot with a small caliber weapon, possibly a 22 caliber rifle, at close range, leading him to believe someone walked up to the barn and fired at the cows.

However, "We didn't find any shell casings," he said.

Heffler said this is not the first time he suffered a loss with his cows.

About five years ago, two cows were stolen from the same barn. It was later discovered, unfortunately too late, that the cows were sold in Lancaster County.

Anyone with information on the shooting of the cows on the Heffler farm is asked to call state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-739-1330.