THE PORTLAND GAZETTE Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Third Livestock Mutilation Raises Concerns in Cumberland County
By Jake Harrison, Staff Reporter
CUMBERLAND COUNTY — A series of unexplained cattle mutilations in the rural outskirts of Portland has local authorities and farmers on edge, following the discovery of a third carcass in as many weeks.
Marcus Greer, owner of a small family-run farm located near the edge of the wooded lowlands outside town, contacted local law enforcement early Monday morning after finding one of his Black Angus cows dead under unusual circumstances.
According to the official report, the animal showed no signs of external struggle, fencing damage, or typical predator attack patterns. The carcass was found intact except for the apparent surgical removal of the liver and heart. No blood was found at the scene.
“Third cow this month,” Greer told reporters. “Can’t afford more losses like this.”
The incident mirrors two previous cases reported by Greer in February, all involving isolated kills and missing internal organs. Despite increased patrols in the area and wildlife surveillance, there have been no eyewitnesses, security footage, or tracks to explain the deaths.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation is ongoing but declined to speculate on the cause. “At this time, we’re evaluating all possibilities, including scavenger activity and human involvement,” said Lt. Harold Briggs.
Experts from the Maine Department of Agriculture visited the site Monday afternoon. While they acknowledged the precision of the organ removal was “unusual,” no definitive explanation has been provided.
Greer, whose family has farmed the land for over 60 years, says he’s never seen anything like it. “I’ve lost livestock before to coyotes and sickness, but not like this. No tracks, no blood, just... gone.”
Some residents have begun speculating about possible cult activity or animal experimentation, though officials have cautioned the public against jumping to conclusions.
As spring calving season approaches, local farmers are urging authorities to provide answers—and soon.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cumberland County Agricultural Crimes Unit.