Night of Horror in Fort Meade: Nine Cows Shot in Cold Blood

Agricultural Crimes Unit Investigates Shooting of Nine Cows in Fort Meade

By Staff Reporter

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published April 22nd, 2026.

Agricultural Crimes Unit Investigates Shooting of Nine Cows in Fort Meade

FORT MEADE, FL – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Agriculture Crimes Unit is calling for public assistance following a disturbing incident of animal cruelty and trespassing on Lake Buffum Road West.

Deputies were dispatched to the property on March 19, 2026, after a local cattleman discovered his herd had been targeted by gunfire during the overnight hours. The investigation has revealed a grim scene involving the loss of multiple livestock.

The Investigation: Case #26-11726

Upon arrival, investigators located 9 cows that had been shot. The impact on the herd and the owner is significant:

🌟 Immediate Fatalities: Three cows were found deceased at the scene.

🌟 Critical Injuries: Five cows were so severely wounded they required euthanasia. PCSO reports that four of these five were believed to be pregnant.

🌟 Delayed Discovery: A ninth cow was located several days later with gunshot wounds.

🌟 Orphaned Calves: Each of the targeted cows had a live calf nearby at the time of the shooting.

LAKE BUFFUM ROAD WEST, FORT MEADE / PCSO

Seeking Leads

The scene of the crime is a rural stretch of Fort Meade with no surveillance cameras and no immediate eyewitnesses. However, investigators did note a hunting stand located on a neighboring leased property, which remains part of the ongoing inquiry.

The PCSO is urging anyone who saw suspicious vehicles or heard gunfire in the area on the night of March 18 to come forward.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Jacob Durrance at (863) 534-7205.

To remain anonymous and potentially earn a cash reward, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

🌟 Call: 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)

🌟 Mobile: Dial **TIPS from your cell phone

🌟 Web: Visit HeartlandCrimeStoppers.com

🌟 App: Use the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet