Arrest made in Arizona after 22 cattle fatally shot

After months of uncertainty, an Arizona rancher who discovered 22 dead cattle on his property earlier this year may finally have answers.

On November 20, 2024, the Navajo County Major Crimes Apprehension Team arrested 38-year-old Joseph Daniel Gibbons of Snowflake on charges related to crimes against livestock.

The case began on August 22, 2024, when the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office received a report of five deceased cattle found in a pasture off Hay Hollow Road in Snowflake. According to the reporting party, the cattle had gunshot wounds. The owner of the cattle immediately notified the Arizona Department of Agriculture — Livestock Division, prompting the initiation of an investigation. Navajo County Sheriff’s Office detectives collaborated with Department of Agriculture investigators to conduct an inquiry.

As part of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at a residence on the 8900 block of Charolais Trail in the Snowflake area. Detectives seized multiple firearms believed to have been involved in the livestock shootings. On October 31, 2024, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime Lab reported that a bullet recovered from one of the deceased cattle matched one of the seized firearms.

On November 20, a second search warrant was served at the same residence to gather additional evidence. Gibbons was arrested and booked into the NCSO Jail on charges including two counts of animal cruelty and one count of killing livestock. In total, 22 cattle were killed, resulting in losses estimated at over $65,000 for the rancher.

Arizona’s open-range laws place the responsibility for keeping livestock off private property on the property owner. However, property owners are not permitted to harm livestock to prevent them from entering their land.

“Navajo County has numerous cattle growers currently raising cattle for sale to local consumers as well as small independent families raising cattle. Navajo County was built on the industry of raising cattle and maintains a deep history in the cattle business. My deputies will respond and investigate all reports of crimes against livestock,” stated Sheriff David Clouse.

The Animal Services Division of the Arizona Department of Agriculture is tasked with protecting livestock, including equine, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine, from mistreatment and neglect. Neglect involves failing to provide essential needs like feed, water, or veterinary care, while mistreatment refers to causing unnecessary serious physical injury.

Livestock officers and inspectors handle thousands of calls annually, starting with site visits and direct contact with livestock owners. Depending on the situation, resolutions may involve education or, in severe cases where animals are in immediate danger, the seizure of livestock.