Paso Robles police are trying to figure out who doused a 5-month-old steer with lighter fluid before setting the cow on fire at the Paso Robles High School agriculture barn between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
The owner of the steer arrived Saturday morning to find the cow had been burned. The steer suffered significant burns, but is expected to survive. The student is a member of Future Farmers of America.
If arrested, the person or persons responsible for harming the steer could face charges of felony animal cruelty and torture which carries a penalty of two to 10 years in prison.
Officers discovered evidence at the scene, which is being analyzed as part of the investigation. Police are asking anyone with information about this crime is to call Crime Stoppers (805) 549-7867. A cash reward of up to $2,000 is available.
