Missing livestock went “out for a walk”

Sometimes, it seems, animals just need a little space.

At 5 p.m. last Thursday, Jan. 16, the Jefferson County Sheriff‘s Office posted a report of 11 horses and three mules missing from a ranch on Highway 2 east of Whitehall. “The animals have been missing since this morning,” noted the post, which shared the animals’ brands (shown) and asked for the public’s help.

On Facebook, folks worried that the livestock had been stolen. “Hope you get them back soon and they’re ok. What is wrong with people?” wrote one, among over 120 comments. As the Sheriff’s Office issued a BOLO (Be on the look-out) warning, some suggested checking with local slaughter houses.