Animal rights group offers reward for info on cattle deaths

CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — An animal rights group is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for shootings of cattle in the Carlsbad area of southeastern New Mexico. The reward offered by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals follows the announcement by the Eddy County Sheriff's Office that six cattle were shot and killed on two properties last week. Investigators have said the shootings weren't accidental and that they don't believe the cows are being killed for meat because they were left in fields. PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien says the cattle "would have endured agonizing pain" while dying from gunshots. ___ Information from: Carlsbad Current-Argus, http://www.currentargus.com/