Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Livestock Brand Commission are investigating an animal cruelty complaint received Monday afternoon.

A farmer reported he discovered several of his cattle had been shot in the head with what appeared to be a small caliber weapon, according to Chief Deputy Christopher Ivey, spokesman for the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff Office. The cattle are still alive and grazing in the pasture.

Deputies responded and with the farmer’s assistance located five cows with bullet wounds to the head in a pasture off Faul Road and Lone Pine Road, north of Welsh. The farmer believed the cows were injured on Sunday, January 13. Louisiana Livestock Brand commission agents responded to assist in the investigation, stated Ivey.

A reward is available through Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons involved in the shooting of these animals. If you have any information, contact the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 821-2100, the Louisiana Livestock brand commission at (225) 925-3962, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-558-9741