1980 01 00 OMNI - Mutilations

Magazine Overview

This issue of OMNI, identified by its cover headline "DEATH ON THE RANGE UFO UPDATE" and the image of a mutilated cow, delves into the perplexing phenomenon of livestock mutilations. The magazine is presented as an update on this ongoing mystery, featuring an article by Harry Lebelson, an investigator for the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization.

The Snippy Case and the Scale of the Problem

The article begins by detailing the mysterious death of Snippy, a three-year-old palomino saddle horse found mutilated in Alamosa, Colorado, on September 9, 1967. Snippy's body was found with flesh and hide removed from its shoulders up, and its vital organs and blood drained, all with surgical precision that precluded the use of a knife. This incident is presented as the beginning of a pattern of livestock mutilation that continued for over a decade, affecting an estimated 8,000 cattle across a vast area of the United States.

Investigation Challenges and Theories

Extensive research in affected areas has failed to provide conclusive evidence about the perpetrators. Law-enforcement bodies, scientific organizations, and independent UFO investigative groups have been unable to offer a definitive explanation, often providing only circumstantial evidence. Senator Harrison Schmitt of New Mexico highlights the "unprecedented discipline" of the groups responsible, noting the lack of leaks or informants. Howard Burgess, a retired radiation-instrumentation scientist assisting the New Mexico State Police, emphasizes the need for an open mind and acknowledges the technical sophistication and financial resources likely involved.

Several theories attempt to explain these occurrences, broadly categorized as: saucers (UFOs), Satanists, or the CIA. The complexity of the phenomenon prevents a simple explanation.

UFO Activity and Physical Traces

UFO activity has been reported both before and after mutilations. Physical traces found at many mutilation sites, such as the lack of tracks, the absence of perpetrators, the lack of noise or disturbances, and the surgical precision of organ removal, lend support to the theory of alien presence. The surgical removal of selected organs, particularly those related to milk production in cows, suggests a possible focus on biological experimentation.

Cult Involvement

The possibility of cult intervention is examined, with reports of Satanic cult activity in various states. Captain Keith Wolverton of the Cascade County sheriff's office noted that the theory of devil worshipers is not discounted. A cult site found near Butte, Montana, featured a circle of rocks, a pit, a fire pit, and inscriptions related to ancient Egyptian deities like Isis, whose cult used mutilations in their ceremonies. However, Dr. Richard Sigismund, a doctor of psychology, questions whether cults could possess the large-scale funding and sophisticated capabilities required for such widespread and clandestine operations.

Governmental and Scientific Perspectives

The plausibility of governmental or military agency involvement is also considered. Investigations by federal and state law-enforcement agents, assisted by various scientific professionals, have revealed patterns. Veterinarian Dr. Gary France described the organ excision technique as "precision cutting" and noted the presence of bruises and the absence of puncture marks for blood removal, suggesting the use of powerful muscle relaxants. The widespread use of tranquilizers, the higher incidence of cow mutilations compared to bulls, and the surgical precision point to a highly sophisticated organization. The excising of organs, especially from milk-producing cows, suggests biological experimentation, possibly by a governmental agency testing strains of bacteria, laser research, or microwave radiation, as posited by Burgess.

Ken Anderson, a Montana toxicologist, explains that female animals, particularly cows with their milk-producing systems, offer ideal specimens for studying the effects of exotic substances introduced into the animal. He notes that milk can concentrate certain elements and substances, providing valuable data.

Mystery Helicopters and Other Clues

A significant aspect of the phenomenon is the frequent appearance of unmarked "mystery helicopters" near mutilation sites, sometimes hovering over carcasses. Instances of clamp marks on the legs of slaughtered animals suggest they may have been airlifted. Pod marks have also been found in the dirt at some sites. These helicopters, varying in color and often sighted by ordinary citizens and law enforcement, add another layer of mystery.

Legal and Financial Ramifications

Sheriff Yarnell of Elbert County, Colorado, reported a helicopter sighting at a "mute" site, which he pursued unsuccessfully. The lack of federal crime status for the destruction of personal property in several states has allowed the mutilators to operate with relative impunity. In the past five years, economic losses for cattlemen and ranchers due to mutilations have reached $2.5 million, with New Mexico alone experiencing $45,000 in damages over three years. Insurance companies rarely cover such losses, with one exception noted in Taos County, New Mexico.

National Conference and Federal Involvement

In response to the growing problem, Senator Schmitt sponsored a conference on cattle mutilations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on April 20, 1979. The conference brought together investigators from across the country and state and federal law-enforcement officials. The outcome was an agreement to funnel information to the media and the public, with the understanding that federal assistance would be forthcoming. Subsequently, the Department of Justice authorized the FBI to join the investigation, and the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration provided a grant of over $40,000 for an animal-mutilation investigation under the auspices of the district attorney's office in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Senator Schmitt expressed disappointment with the initial level of activity but noted that more definitive language was added to the Appropriations Bill to ensure federal investigation of incidents prosecutable under U.S. law, awaiting President Carter's signature.

Conclusion and Call for Information

Despite optimistic statements about reaching a solution, the article cautions against drawing unwarranted conclusions or trying to second-guess those responsible, as this might play into their hands. To facilitate ongoing investigations, individuals with additional information are urged to send it to Ken Anderson of the THAR Institute in Raynesford, Montana. All correspondence will be treated confidentially.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained nature of livestock mutilations, the challenges faced by investigators, the various theories proposed (UFOs, cults, government), and the impact on the agricultural community. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and open-mindedness, acknowledging the scientific and technical sophistication involved while emphasizing the need for concrete evidence and solutions. The magazine highlights the frustration of law enforcement and the public with the lack of definitive answers and the ongoing economic and psychological toll on victims.