Larimer County Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting Neighbors’ Cattle
In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that shocked the local community, 37-year-old Michael Hester of Larimer County has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges related to the shooting of neighbor’s cattle. On Friday, Hester entered a plea deal in which he admitted to three counts each of aggravated animal cruelty and animal theft, all felonies. As a result of this agreement, an additional 12 charges, including aggravated animal cruelty and shooting from a public road, were dropped.
Hester’s legal troubles began in April when several neighbors reported incidents of him shooting at their cattle while operating a utility terrain vehicle (UTV). Following these reports, law enforcement executed search warrants and discovered seven deceased cattle along with one critically injured cow that had to be euthanized.
For his actions, Hester faces a potential prison sentence of two to six years and could be fined up to $500,000 for each charge upon sentencing. The case garnered significant attention due to the brutality of the acts and the impact on local livestock owners.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, animal rights advocates have expressed outrage, calling for stricter enforcement of animal cruelty laws to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Hester is scheduled for sentencing in the coming weeks, and the outcome will likely set a precedent in the ongoing fight against animal cruelty in the area.
This case brings to light the importance of responsible animal stewardship and the consequences of violent actions against defenseless animals. As more details unfold, the local community remains vigilant in advocating for justice for the cattle and their owners.
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