Deputies investigating shooting of brahma bull in Osteen

OSTEEN -- The Volusia County Sheriff's Office has launched a criminal investigation after a brahma bull was found shot in a pasture off of S.R. 415 in Osteen over the weekend. The bull, valued at $7,500, had to be put down by its owner.

The Sheriff's Office was called to the scene late Sunday morning after the owner found the bull mortally injured from several gunshot wounds and an aluminum arrow embedded in the animal's shoulder.

"Sheriff's investigators believe the gunshot wounds came from a shotgun fired at close range," Sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said. "The owner put the bull down after finding it lying on its side near death and scavenger birds descending on the animal and tearing at its wounds."

The Sheriff's Office's Range Unit is investigating the incident and has also elicited the assistance of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at (386) 736-5999. Anyone with information who wishes to remain anonymous and qualify for a reward of up to $1,000 is urged to call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. Information can also be anonymously texted to Crime Stoppers by texting "TIP231 plus your message" to CRIMES.