Stigmata - Issue 10

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: Number 10
Date: Third Quarter - 1980
Price: $1.50

This issue of STIGMATA, published by Project Stigma, focuses on the continuing investigation into the occurrence of animal mutilations. It provides details on the cost of back issues and subscriptions, and includes a special notice regarding payment methods for foreign subscribers. The publication address is P.O. Box 1094, Paris, Texas 75460, U.S.A.

The Silent Siege

The article "The Silent Siege" discusses the shift in attitude towards animal mutilations between 1974-1975 and the current period. A key trend noted is the reluctance of some livestock owners to report mutilation incidents, which may account for a perceived decline in activity rather than an actual drop. Historically, ranchers reported incidents to law enforcement and the press due to a sense of civic duty and a desire for answers. However, the lack of substantive evidence and the inability of authorities to provide solutions often led to waning enthusiasm or outright refusal to investigate. The article suggests that the current "silent siege" is characterized by unreported cases, with potentially half of all mutilations going unnoticed. The author posits that the overriding reason for the apparent decline in mutilation activity is the refusal of livestock owners to report, viewing it as futile. Reporting to the press also carries the risk of sensationalism or unwanted publicity. The article also mentions Linda Moulton Howe's documentary "A Strange Harvest" as a significant contribution to public education on the subject.

A Mutilation Documentary

This section reviews the documentary "A Strange Harvest," produced by Linda Moulton Howe of KMGH-TV in Denver. The 75-minute video tape is described as an objective, straight-away presentation of evidence concerning animal mutilations, exploring the phenomenon in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. It features interviews with individuals involved in mutilation affairs, including David Perkins, Tex Graves, Sheriff George Yarnell, Bill Waugh, Dr. A. E. McChesney, Carl Whiteside, Senator Harrison Schmitt, Gabe Valdez, Robert Schoenfeld, and Kenneth Rommel. The documentary also touches upon laser surgery and includes commentary from ufologist Richard Sigismond and Lou Girodo, Chief Investigator for the District Attorney's office in Trinidad, Colorado. The helicopter connection at Fort Carson and unreported carcasses are also briefly explored. The documentary is praised for its fine craftsmanship and knowledgeable presentation. It also covers hypnotic regression sessions conducted by Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, detailing the experiences of Pat McGuire and Judy Doraty, the latter describing an apparent abduction onto a UFO where a calf was mutilated. The documentary "Harvest" has been criticized for its focus on a UFO/mutilation link and for potentially omitting "terrestrial" explanations. It was first aired in Denver and shown at the 1980 Mutual UFO Network Symposium.

Mutes: A Global Phenomenon?

This article explores reports of animal mutilations in countries outside the United States and Canada, attempting to determine if they are linked to incidents in North America. While accounts are often sketchy, the following are summarized:

• Brazil: Reports from 1975 in Rio Grande do Sul describe a cow with its udder and veins surgically removed, with no blood present. In 1973, over 300 sheep were found dead with puncture marks, and one sheep had a circle of blood around it but no blood internally. A calf was found with its tongue partially removed. In perhaps 1975, an ox died from burns. A 1970 incident involved a UFO and a calf being lifted and disappearing. These cases were discussed in the Brazilian publication OVNI DOCUMENTO.
• Another Brazilian account from the French journal OURANOS details an incident in 1970 where a calf was observed being lifted by an unseen force, floated, and then disappeared. The cattle exhibited extreme panic.
• Bolivia: Reference is made to "Odd Entities" in STIGMATA Number 5.
• Colombia: Reports of "vampire" attacks on humans, where blood is removed by syringe, are mentioned, with a "black magic" cult believed responsible.
• Mexico: Rumors of livestock and human mutilations exist, but details are scarce. Salvador Freixedo investigated reports near Queretaro, finding a withered coyote carcass and an opossum carcass in similar conditions near UFO landing sites. Reports of bloodless human infants were also encountered in Queretaro in 1977, where mothers fell into deep sleep and infants were found drained of blood without wounds.
• Panama: "Vampire killings" of cattle, involving tongue removal, occurred in the 1950s in Chitre, ceasing after an exorcism. A 1978 incident near Panama City involved a horse with missing eyes and hoof, two cows with missing tongues, and a dog with a missing hind leg and tail, all without bleeding. A Panamanian veterinarian confirmed examining tongueless carcasses. Another report mentioned a heifer with its tongue, heart, and lungs missing.

Two articles from the newspaper CRITICA of Panama City are translated, detailing ranchers' alarm over mysterious animal deaths in the Cerro Cama region over a six-week period.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are animal mutilations, UFO sightings, and the challenges of investigating these phenomena. Project Stigma is presented as a dedicated organization attempting to gather information and connect seemingly disparate events globally. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the strangeness and difficulty of the subject matter while encouraging reader participation in reporting cases. The publication emphasizes the need for more public education and investigation into these unexplained events, particularly the connection between UFOs and animal mutilations, without dismissing potential terrestrial explanations outright.

This issue of THE NEBRASKA FLYING SAUCER NEWS, dated May 1980, delves into a series of perplexing animal mutilation cases and related phenomena reported internationally, primarily focusing on incidents in Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Canary Islands during the late 1970s. The magazine highlights the mysterious nature of these events, often involving precise surgical removal of organs or body parts, lack of blood, and absence of struggle, leading to speculation about both human and non-human perpetrators.

Panama: The Cattle Bellowing Mystery

The issue begins with a report from Saturday, June 2, 1979, by Adan Urena, detailing strange occurrences in Piedras Gordas, Panama. Cattle were becoming spooked and bellowing, followed by the discovery of dead animals with their tongues missing, root and all. The precision of the removal amazed veterinarians, and no logical explanation was found. Ranchers consulted priests and religious sects, while others suspected sadistic individuals. Authorities confirmed the reports, which had initially been suspected as mere sensationalism. The area is described as agricultural, with inhabitants devoted to farming. Mayor Balbino Benitez noted the arousal of theories and speculation due to the bloodless and tongueless carcasses. Some eyewitnesses claimed to have seen human shapes or silhouettes above or on the cows, which would fade away when observed.

Puerto Rico: A Wave of Unusual Phenomena

The article then shifts to Puerto Rico, acknowledging that while it's a U.S. possession, its "classic" mutilation cases are discussed in an international context. It references articles by Sebastian Robiou Lamarche in FLYING SAUCER REVIEW and Salvador Freixedo's "Tributo de Sangre" in MUNDO DESCONOCIDO. In September 1974, a UFO flap occurred in western and southwestern Puerto Rico, during which Freixedo investigated the deaths of eleven animals on a farm, including hogs, geese, calves, and goats. These animals were apparently bloodless, exhibited a mark or wound on the neck, and showed no sign of struggle. Freixedo documented a cow mutilation with a circular, "perfectly carved" cut on its head, revealing the bone, with no evident blood-flow. The late 1974 period in Puerto Rico also saw a rash of UFOs, mutilations, apparitions of the Virgin Mary, statues shedding tears, mysterious disappearances, strange noises, and explosions. Reports also included sightings of large unknown birds, balls of fur, humanoids, and zombie-like or ape-like dwarves.

The Canary Islands: A Saga of Strangeness

The focus moves to the Canary Islands, Spanish possessions off the northwest coast of Africa. The year 1979 was marked by several incidents. On March 5, 1979, a brilliant, ascending light-object, described as cylindrical, pyramid-shaped, or cup-shaped, was observed by thousands from multiple islands. This event caused panic, with some believing it was the end of the world, and motorists reported headlight and engine failures. The Spanish government reportedly launched a "top secret" investigation. Following this, in late April and early May, unusual animal deaths occurred on Tenerife. Six guard dogs were found dead with holes in their chests, suggesting the removal of hearts and lungs. The Tenerife department of health services was uninterested, attributing it to "human hands" and speculating about a "religious cult." In mid-May, two goats were found beheaded and exsanguinated near Icod. In the Guamasa area, a hog was found with its liver in poor condition and missing viscera, similar to the dogs at Taco. Beheaded rabbits and goats were also discovered near Garachico. A veterinarian at Los Silos doubted these were related to the Taco killings. On a ranch near Puerto de la Cruz, banana trees were found broken as if damaged from the air.

DIARIO DE AVISOS reported that the Guardia Civil conducted "intensive investigations" while reassuring the public. LA PROVINCIA concluded that the circumstances—organ extraction, blood removal, lack of violence signs—suggested something "well prepared and with scientific interest." The report also notes a purple rain on Estraburgo and a blue rain in Lyon during the same period.

On July 10th, EL DIA reported that an aircraft flying to Tenerife registered strange radar signals, possibly due to a fleet of UFOs.

In the autumn of 1979, animal deaths recurred on Tenerife. An article by Jorge Bethencourt in DIARIO DE AVISOS on October 4, 1979, detailed the deaths of eight sheep in Barranco Grande. The sheep had circular holes, no blood, and no signs of violence. Evidence suggested human involvement, including bloody handprints and the use of sharp instruments. The perpetrators were believed to be more than one person, using a box for instruments, viscera, and blood. The act of stealing a box and operating with fine instruments pointed to human action. The bloody handprint and stone marks were human traces.

Antonio, a witness, described five sheep found dead in Raymundo's corral, their backs shaved, with a bleeding hole in the neck of one. Blood spots were present, and a bloody handprint was on the door. Five-toed footprints, resembling those of a dog or tiger, were found, suggesting an animal weighing 40-50 kilos. However, Antonio concluded they were persons due to their ability to open doors, use boxes, and cut perfect circles, possibly using dogs to mislead investigators.

Another article by Bethencourt on October 7, 1979, reported that police kept autopsy results secret. However, information suggested the goats were strangled, perforated with a metal instrument, and their sides wounded to reach the chest cavity. The doctor performing the dissection noted the wounds were not made by an animal. Theories included African tribes drinking blood for religious rites or devil worship. The possibility of someone connected to Africa bringing panther or wolf paws to make tracks was raised to mislead investigators.

On October 9th, DIARIO DE AVISOS reported on the "vampires of Taco," adding two more goat victims. The police investigation suggested a "metal and extremely sharp" instrument, possibly a scalpel, was used. Over fifteen policemen were assigned to the investigation, facing difficulties due to the mobility of the perpetrators and the large area. Blood was carried away in containers. The perpetrators were believed to be accompanied by a dog to mislead investigators and keep the goats quiet.

An article on October 11th reported Senora Barbara Guanche Otazo observing two wolf-like dogs killing three goats by biting their necks. Similar incidents occurred in Vistabella, with two huge dogs tearing out viscera from a goat. Three more goat carcasses were found resembling previous "vampire of Taco" victims.

By October 16th, Bethencourt and B. Morales reported that the Taco "vampires" had struck at least fourteen animals in a month. Two sheep were found dead with "circular holes in their bodies and necks, and no blood," missing their kidneys. The article did not state if an autopsy was conducted.

International Scene and Briefs

The issue concludes with "Some Notes and Conclusions on the International Scene," questioning whether "classic" animal mutilations are a global phenomenon. While acknowledging intriguing similarities with U.S. and Canadian cases, the article suggests the causative elements might differ. A Brazilian account of a floating-ascending-disappearing calf is mentioned, along with a U.S. report of officers encountering a cow or calf floating across a highway. The magazine promises to provide information on other countries with reported mutilations at a later date.

Sources for the information include Fernando Cerda Guardia, Bob Pratt, Dr. P.M.H. Edwards, Danny Liska, Donald Boates, and translators Barbara C. Mathey, Leslie H. Johnson, Jean Sider, and Roger Arguello. Thanks are also extended to Howard and Lovola Burgess for translations.

Briefs section highlights a May 1980 HIGH TIMES magazine article by John A. Keel titled "UFOs, Mothman and Me," which mentions mutilations in Mexico. It also notes an in-depth piece on mutilations in the current HIGH TIMES by Tom Clark and David Perkins. Mentions of upcoming articles on "mutes" in LIFE, NEW WEST Magazine, and PENTHOUSE are also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained animal deaths, particularly mutilations, and associated UFO sightings and strange aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of these unusual events, presenting witness accounts, official reports (where available), and expert opinions. While acknowledging the difficulty in definitively resolving the causes, the magazine leans towards presenting evidence that challenges conventional explanations, often highlighting the precision and unusual nature of the mutilations, and the potential involvement of non-human or highly organized human perpetrators. The tone is investigative and aims to inform readers about a global phenomenon that seems to share common characteristics across different regions.

Title: Stigmata
Issue: 1981
Date: 1981
Publisher: Thomas R. Adams
Country: USA
Price: $5.00

This issue of Stigmata, published in 1981, focuses on updates regarding livestock mutilations that occurred in Canada and the United States during 1980. The magazine announces its decision to continue publication in 1981, with plans for more in-depth research and potentially a book-length work.

Canada Update: 1980

The article begins by noting confusion over the exact number of livestock mutilations in Canada in 1980, attributing this partly to reduced press coverage due to a "secure lid" imposed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Cpl. Lyn Lauber of Calgary is directing the investigation. The RCMP appears to be handling the probe with less public fanfare than in the previous year, possibly to avoid sensationalism. As best as can be determined, approximately thirty mutilations were confirmed in Canada (primarily Alberta and Saskatchewan) between mid-1979 and mid-1980, with 10 to 12 occurring in 1980. The RCMP had previously considered cultist involvement but now rumors suggest they might be looking into the involvement of a foreign power.

A specific case from Manitoba is detailed, brought to the magazine's attention by investigator Tommy R. Blann. A veterinary pathologist, referred to as Dr. Carroll, examined a mutilated calf that died on June 10, 1980. The carcass, transported to his lab, showed that the left ear, scrotum, testicles, tail, and anus had been cut and removed, along with two cuts on the left flank. Dr. Carroll concluded that the cause of death was peritonitis, and the mutilation occurred post-mortem. A local veterinarian confirmed it was a male calf found in an alfalfa pasture with its herd. No marks were found on the ground to indicate how the mutilation occurred, and the removed parts were described as an "unusual collection of coincidences." Predators were considered an unlikely explanation, though possible. The calf was found in a location not easily accessible, and there had been no publicity to encourage pranksters. The RCMP investigated but made no public statements.

The United States - Kansas

Fortean researcher Steve Hicks reports on the situation in Atchison County, Kansas. An acquaintance visiting the Sheriff's Office in early February 1980 was informed that in the preceding year (up to that point), 25 mutilations had been reported: 8 cows, 15 sheep, and 2 goats. A student para-medic viewed two fresh carcasses from which the rectums and genitalia had been removed "surgically." In Ellsworth and Russell Counties, west of Atchison, 7 known mutilations occurred between August 1979 and April 1980. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation offered assistance, but "no hard evidence" had been uncovered.

A reporter for the KANSAS CITY TIMES, Tom Ramstack, interviewed an anonymous researcher from a Kansas City hospital's toxicology department. This researcher described cattle mutilations as being cut with "strange precision (with) no clues left to follow." Specimens from cattle dying under mysterious circumstances are often sent for testing. The researcher noted that several internal organs are removed with surgical precision, cattle are drained of blood, and bodies are sometimes found in muddy areas where only hoofprints are visible. The lack of tracks makes predator involvement unlikely, and predatory and scavenging animals reportedly avoid such carcasses. Even after testing, the cause of death usually remains a mystery.

Colorado

Colorado is described as the "busiest" state for mutilations thus far in the year. At least three horse mutilations occurred in the El Paso County-Elbert County area. There are also reports of unreported mutilations in the state. Additionally, at least two apparent cattle mutilations occurred in western Colorado: one in Mesa County in April and another near Meeker in Rio Blanco County in late May.

Iowa

A "classic cow mutilation" in Washington County, occurring on or about May 11th, was described as "definitely not predators" and "humans were involved." The remains were analyzed by Dr. Vaughn Seaton and his staff at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary surgeons attempted to replicate the mutilation effects on another carcass but could not duplicate them after several hours. In Washington County, at least two encounters with unidentified helicopters were also reported.

Other States

Mutilations have also been reported in South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and North Carolina in 1980. Canadian mutilations occurred in Alberta and Manitoba. The magazine plans to cover U.S. and Canadian mutilations in more detail in the next issue.

Miscellany

Linda Moulton Howe's documentary, "A Strange Harvest," was scheduled to air on Indianapolis TV on July 31, 1980. New Yorkers Ian Summers and Daniel Kagan are working on an investigative book about the mutilation scene, with data gathering and a planned swing through the west in August, aiming for a winter 1981 deadline. Michael Albers of Minneapolis has authored a book tentatively titled "THE TERROR," scheduled for fall publication. Manor Books is also planning a fictional book based on mutilations. Despite the RCMP's news blackout, Canadian publications like ALBERTA REPORT and MACLEANS magazine are pursuing the story. Rumors of a recent UFO abduction incident in the western U.S. involving a woman witnessing a livestock mutilation are mentioned, with the investigation being conducted with utmost secrecy.

The magazine expresses thanks to various individuals and publications, including Tom Bearden's SPECULA and J. W. Burke, Jr.'s GRASSY KNOLL GAZETTE, for their recent support.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent and often unexplained phenomenon of livestock mutilations across North America. The magazine highlights the difficulties in obtaining official information, particularly from law enforcement agencies like the RCMP, suggesting a potential cover-up or reluctance to publicize findings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting on these unusual events, presenting evidence and expert opinions while acknowledging the mysterious nature of the mutilations and the lack of definitive explanations. The magazine also indicates a commitment to continued research and publication on the topic, aiming to provide readers with in-depth coverage.