Dodge County, MN — A Texas Longhorn cow that escaped a pasture in Dodge County had to be shot and killed by deputies after exhibiting aggressive behavior, including charging at law enforcement and her owners.
Longhorn Cow Escapes in Dodge County
The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. on Sunday when the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a man reporting that his Texas Longhorn cow had escaped from its pasture. The man requested assistance in capturing the cow.
Deputies initially searched the area around the railroad tracks, where the cow had been spotted heading. However, the situation escalated when 911 calls began pouring in, reporting the cow walking along Highway 14—2.5 miles away from her pasture.
“We had to shut down traffic on Highway 14 to prevent accidents,” said a spokesperson from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.
Attempts to Capture the Cow Fail
Deputies and the cow’s owners tried repeatedly to capture the animal, but the cow’s behavior quickly turned dangerous. Law enforcement officials stated that the cow charged at them violently, with one of the family members being struck during the capture attempts.
“The cow was becoming increasingly aggressive. The safety of the public and the owners became a real concern,” said the sheriff’s office.
As the cow continued to roam along the highway, trying to cross the median barrier multiple times, authorities were forced to close down traffic on Highway 14 to avoid further risk to the public.
Cow Shot and Killed
Given the dangerous and erratic behavior, the cow’s owner gave permission to law enforcement to shoot the animal. Deputies attempted to subdue the cow by shooting her in the leg, but she continued running.
The cow then charged at one of the deputies and his squad car, prompting the deputy to fire again—ultimately killing the animal.
“This was a difficult decision, but the danger posed by the cow’s behavior left us with no other option,” said the sheriff’s office.
The cow’s escape and subsequent death have raised concerns about the safety protocols in place for handling large animals on roadways.
Community and Law Enforcement Reactions
This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with large animals that pose a threat to public safety. Authorities are continuing to review the procedures for similar future situations.
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