College football fans and animal rights supporters were appalled Friday by an incident ahead of Saturday’s Big 12 championship game between Oklahoma State and Texas.
Police in Stillwater, Oklahoma, are investigating the discovery of a mutilated longhorn cow found outside the FarmHouse fraternity. The mutilated cow had the expletive “**** FH” carved into its side, and the animal had been cut open to expose its intestines.
Given the message, it seems the mutilation is related to a fraternity rivalry, and not a brutal taunt aimed at the Texas Longhorns. The incident sent shockwaves through the Oklahoma State campus and community.
“It’s a very cruel crime to be committed, especially right before the Big 12 Championship,” Stillwater police officer PJ Low told The Oklahoman. “Nothing is worth doing that kind of crap.”
According to the Oklahoma State student newspaper, Ocolly.com, university president Dr. Kayse Shrum issued a statement condemning the act.
“We expect that authorities will prosecute this case to the full extent of the law, and we stand with the Stillwater community in condemning this reprehensible act, which in no way represents the values of our institution,” she said in the statement.
The responsible party could face a felony animal cruelty charge.
Police are talking to fraternity members, local ranchers and reviewing video footage from the surrounding area.
The incident casts a black cloud over Saturday’s Big 12 title game between the No. 7 Longhorns and No. 18 Cowboys.
Social media users were predictably appalled by the gruesome act.
This is horrific…the poor innocent animal! What kind of people would do this horrifying act?
Mutilated longhorn shocks Oklahoma State campus ahead of Big 12 title showdown with Texas https://t.co/fDHOsGYJtd via @nypost
— PRESIDENT-ELECT @UPTOWNGIRL2008 (@UPTOWNGIRL2008) December 1, 2023
That’s true !
— OkieKim ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🦅🌪️🌈 (@KIM510) December 1, 2023
Was that dead cow at OK State a prank for Texas or from Texas? I don’t understand the meaning
— Real Name: Grover (@DontrellChillis) December 1, 2023
I completely understand the thought process of the dead steer on a frat’s lawn has to do with tomorrow’s Big 12 title game.
But this situation is related to a frat rivalry.
Does it matter? Not really. But when ESPN sends push notifications about it like this it should be… pic.twitter.com/xGUGOMTvVA
— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) December 1, 2023
[The New York Post; Photo Credit: Kennedy Thomason/The O’Colly]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.