Stigmata - Issue 12

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: 12
Volume: First Quarter
Date: 1981
Publisher: PROJECT STIGMA
Price: $1.50

This issue of STIGMATA, Number 12 from the First Quarter of 1981, is presented by PROJECT STIGMA and focuses on their continuing investigation into the occurrence of animal mutilations. The cover headline explicitly states this focus. The magazine is published quarterly.

Subscriptions and Back Issues

A subscription to the four 1981 issues (#12, 13, 14 & 15) costs $5.00. The four 1980 issues (#8, 9, 10 & 11) are also available for $5.00. Individual issues, including any of these eight editions, can be purchased for $1.50. Back issues prior to 1980 are not currently available. A special publication titled "THE CHOPPERS ...AND THE CHOPPERS," exploring the connection between animal mutilations and "mystery helicopters," is also not available at this time.

Contact Information and Reader Contributions

PROJECT STIGMA can be reached at P.O. Box 1094, Paris, Texas 75460. Canadian subscribers are instructed to pay in U.S. cash, Canadian cash, or checks drawn on U.S. banks. Subscribers from all other countries must also pay in U.S. cash or checks drawn on U.S. banks; alternative exchange agreements can be arranged if necessary. Readers are encouraged to report any possible animal mutilation sightings, especially fresh cases, by calling (214) 784-5922.

Future and Current Issue Content

Future issues are planned to include details on high-strangeness cases from 1980, book reviews, psychic analysis of the mutilation problem, and an update on the international picture. This specific issue, Number 12, contains a catalog of 1980 mutilation events and procedures for the proper sampling of a potentially mutilated carcass.

The Mutilations Continued (Article Summary)

Historical Context

The article "1980 - The Mutilations Continued" begins by stating that animal mutilations have been a sustained phenomenon for eight years, originating in the 1970s. While isolated accounts may have existed prior, the "classic mutilations" emerged as a concerted and consistent phenomenon in the 1970s. A study in New Mexico indicated no prior evidence of such mutilations in that state's livestock and agricultural history before this modern era, suggesting that while the causal elements might have existed, the intensity began in the Seventies.

1980 Occurrences

In 1980, the phenomenon was described as typically "here-and-there," with scattered accounts across states and provinces, though northern Colorado and Canada were noted as potential exceptions. The "silent-siege" nature of the phenomenon makes determining its true intensity difficult. Despite this, 1980 was not uneventful. The report includes a roughly chronological catalog of 1980 mutilation reports.

Cataloging Methodology

The cataloging process for each case follows a specific order:
1. Date of mutilation-death or discovery, with estimated time since death if applicable.
2. Day of the week and time, if known.
3. State.
4. County (U.S.) or province (Canada).
5. Location of the site or area, often the nearest town or settlement.
6. Name of the animal owner.
7. Description of the victim animal.
8. List of body parts cut away and/or missing.
9. Any other pertinent or revealing details.
10. Informational source, unless confidentiality was requested.

A map indicating the areas in the United States and southern Canada where mutilations were reported in 1980 is also included.

Next Edition Preview

STIGMATA #13 (Second Quarter 1981) will feature more detailed accounts of intriguing, representative, and potentially important 1980 mutilation events, classified geographically by state or province.

Reader Call for Information

The publication acknowledges that some cases may have been missed and asks readers to report any incidents not included. They emphasize reliance on reader information and encourage vigilance in 1981.

January 1980 Cases

• January 17th, Thursday: KANSAS, Atchison (south of Atchison): A McCoy bovine, dead for several days, had reproductive organs "cut out with a sharp object." (Source: ATCHISON DAILY GLOBE, 1-21-80).
• January 19th, Saturday: KANSAS, Pottawatomie (near Flush): Two cows belonging to Evert were found with udders and back portions cut off, with at least one having a gunshot wound. (Source: HUTCHINSON NEWS (Kansas), 1-22-80).

February 1980 Cases

• February 5th, Tuesday: KANSAS, Ellsworth (Trivoli township): Two animals, a Hereford bull and a crossbreed Hereford cow, had their jaw areas skinned and tongues "cut out." Bullet slugs were found. Mutilations were confirmed by veterinarians. (Sources: ELLSWORTH REPORTER, 2-14-80 and GREAT BEND TRIBUNE, 2-14-80).
• 1979 through February 1980: KANSAS, Atchison Co.: 25 reported mutilations during this period.

February 1980 (Continued) Cases

• February 22nd, Friday: NORTH CAROLINA, Gaston (Gastonia area): A 6-year-old palomino stallion named "Traveler" was found alive, though down in a stall in a boarding barn, with its penis removed in an unknown fashion. Copious bleeding was noted. The horse died after a vet conducted an on-scene examination and injected a lethal drug. It was not known how the stall was entered, and only the stallion was present despite mares being in the barn. (Source: GASTONIA GAZETTE, 2-27-80).

March 1980 Cases

• 1st week: KANSAS, Ellsworth (near Holyrood): A Lanzel calf had its tongue removed through the lower jaw. This was noted as one of seven cases in the county since August 1979. (Source: GREAT BEND TRIBUNE (Kansas), 3-16-80).
• March 23rd, Sunday: ILLINOIS, Cook (Park Ridge, suburban Chicago): In Cook County Forest Preserve, six decapitated chickens and two disemboweled goats were found, along with clothing and candles. (Reference: STIGMATA #11, p.16).
• late March: CALIFORNIA, Riverside (near Hemet): An 800-lb. yearling horse named "Shiloh" went missing on a Sunday night and was found as a fully intact skeleton (except for one leg, removed and found nearby) on Tuesday. Only hair and hide remained on the lower legs, and the horse was identified by its distinctive white "stockings." There were no shreds or bits of meat on the bones, and no bugs or maggots. After several weeks, animals began gnawing on the skeleton and dragging bones away.
• late March: SOUTH DAKOTA, Shannon (near Kyle): A mutilation was reported, but no details were provided.
• March 30th, Sunday: COLORADO, Teller (Cripple Creek): A 9-month-old Arabian stallion named Bauer had its rectum gone and eye "clouded over." (Sources: CRIPPLE CREEK GOLD RUSH, 4-4-80, 4-11-80; ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS (Denver), 5-7-80; COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE-TELEGRAPH, 4-8-80; Linda Howe, KMGH, Denver).

April 1980 Cases

• April 11th, Friday: SOUTH DAKOTA, Shannon (south of Rockyford): A 200-lb. cow was found with its rear end "cored out," one ear cut off as if with a "dull knife," and no blood in evidence. A 2-inch diameter ring of brownish color, as if burned, was on its cheek. (Source: David Brewer, Bur.of Indian Affairs).
• April 12th, Saturday: MASSACHUSETTS, Middlesex (Somerville): Seven cats and two dogs were found in a railroad yard. Some were burned, and one dog was beheaded, with a stake through the head of the other. (Reference: STIGMATA #11, p.16).
• early to mid April: CANADA, ALBERTA (10 km. NE of Oyen): A 3-year-old registered quarterhorse named Flaht had its genitals, left ear, left eye, and tongue removed, with a fist-sized hole in its chest. (Source: MEDICINE HAT NEWS (Alberta), 6-11-80).
• April 21st, Monday: COLORADO, El Paso (near Ramah): A 14-year-old gelding horse named "Rebel" had its rectum, "internal organs," right eyelid, part of its right ear, and an 18" x 13" piece of hide removed from between its rear legs. Its penis was "skinned." (Sources: ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS (Denver), 5-18-80; COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE-TELEGRAPH, 4-26-80).
• night of April 24th-25th, Thursday-Friday: WASHINGTON, Pierce (near Graham): A horse named "General" had its penis removed with a "sharp instrument"; the horse survived. White powder was found on the ground at the site. (Source: PIERCE COUNTY HERALD (Puyallup, Washington), 4-29-80).
• April 25th, Friday: KANSAS, Russell (north of Bunker Hill): A 4-year-old cow belonging to Prosser had its tongue, udder, lips, and "other parts" taken. This case was unconfirmed as a mutilation. (Source: RUSSELL DAILY NEWS, 4-25-80).
• April 26th, Saturday: COLORADO, El Paso (south of Simla): A 16-year-old quarterhorse stud named "Skip Easy Cash" was seen alive on April 21st. Its right ear, lower lip, strips of skin, and scrotum were removed. Mucous and tissue surrounded the right eye, with the eyeball intact. A helicopter was involved, along with twisted and scorched trees. Abnormal radioactivity and fluorescence were discovered on a patch of hide and hair. (Sources: GAZETTE-TELEGRAPH, May 5,12, June 6,1980; Linda Howe, KMGH, Denver).

April 1980 (Continued) Cases

• April 28th, Monday: COLORADO, Mesa (30 miles NW of Grand Junction): A young Hereford heifer had its anus, genitals, and teats removed. Its throat was slit vertically up to the jaws and then peeled back; "all of the flesh was gone from the head." Wounds were thought to be from gunshot or stabbing. A white substance was found on the carcass and the ground. (Sources: GRAND JUNCTION DAILY SENTINEL, 4-30-80; Investigator Bob Silva, Mesa County Sheriff's Office).

May 1980 Cases

• May 4th, Sunday: COLORADO, Elbert (NE of Franktown): A 3-year-old Hereford cow had its rectum, teats, and internal female organs removed. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• May 11th, Sunday: IOWA, Washington (near Keota): A 125-lb. Charolais bull calf had both eyes, tongue, scrotum, and testicles removed. (Sources: Iowa Dept. of Public Safety, Div. of Criminal Investigation; Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine).
• May 12th, Monday: COLORADO, El Paso (north of Falcon): A neighbor heard strange noises and investigated but saw nothing. It was speculated that the neighbor may have interrupted a mutilation in progress, as the neighbor's cow was found dead but uncut. The rancher had experienced four mutilations since 1976. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• sometime in May: COLORADO, El Paso: A sheriff's deputy responded to a woman's call; she reported watching a beam of light panning across her pasture and herd of cattle. Upon arrival, the deputy saw nothing. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• May 17th-18th, Saturday-Sunday: CANADA, ALBERTA (Acadia Valley, Oyen area): A 12-year-old cow belonging to Chrusciel had a large circular area of skin removed from its rear, near the genitals. The cut was described as "real smooth" and made with a "sharp instrument." The animal had been dead approximately 4-5 days with no predator/scavenger damage. (Sources: MEDICINE HAT NEWS (Alta.), 5-31-80; EDMONTON JOURNAL (Alta.), 6-4-80).
• May 26th, Monday (approximate): COLORADO, Elbert (NE of Simla): A 1-year-old steer belonging to Richardson was reported, but no details were given.
• May 26th, Monday: CANADA, ALBERTA (Acadia Valley, Oyen area): A cow belonging to Spath/Gill had its tongue and windpipe cut out, and part of its hide-flesh removed from the jaw. Evidence of shoulder hemorrhage was noted. The animal was estimated to have been killed during the previous 1-2 days. (Sources: MEDICINE HAT NEWS (Alta.), 5-31-80; EDMONTON JOURNAL, 6-4-80).
• May 29th, Thursday (approximate): COLORADO, Elbert (NE of Simla): A one-year-old heifer belonging to Hamacher had its right ear, right eye, rectum, and tail removed. This was the fifth mute suffered by the rancher since 1975. It was located 4 miles east of the Richardson mute site. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• May 31st, Saturday: COLORADO, Rio Blanco (NW of Meeker): A cow belonging to Villa had its udder and surrounding hide "cut away," with a total area missing approximately 1 ft. by 1.5 ft. The carcass was found by a pond with no tracks or sign of struggle. (Source: MEEKER HERALD, 6-5-80).

June 1980 Cases

• June 1st, Sunday: TEXAS, Lubbock: A 2-year-old registered quarterhorse named "Go Lady Cat" had 3 inches of its tongue cut out while in a stable. The severed part was found next to the stable entrance. The horse survived but its condition afterward is unknown. (Source: LUBBOCK AVALANCHE JOURNAL, 6-2-80).
• early June: WYOMING, Laramie (near Carpenter, Colorado border area): Two calves belonging to Murdock were involved in separate incidents. One had its ears "cut off," described as "possibles," while the other's ears were "removed." (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• June 10th, Tuesday: CANADA, MANITOBA (SW Manitoba): A male calf had its left ear, scrotum, testicles, tail, and anus removed. A pathologist indicated the mutilation occurred after death, but predator/scavenger action was thought to be "unlikely." (Sources: STIGMATA #10, pp.21-22; Tommy R.Blann; Lewisville, TX).
• June 13th, Friday: COLORADO, Elbert (near Kutch): A rancher named Hartford reported no details. (Source: Howe).
• June 13th, Friday: COLORADO, Elbert (SW of Deer Trail): A black white-faced steer belonging to Hageman/Monks had its tongue, both ears, tail tassle, and a circle of hide on its right hip removed, with no blood or tracks. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• June 14th, Saturday: COLORADO, El Paso (near Ramah): A 1000-lb., 6-yr.-old Hereford cow belonging to Blasingame had its rectum, 4 teats, right eye, one ear, and skin around the right eye removed. There were no tracks, blood, or signs of predators/scavengers. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• mid-June: CANADA, ALBERTA (SE Alberta, near Montana border): A female calf, found by a park warden and her father, was in an area inaccessible except by horseback. The brisket had been "cleanly and surgically" removed with no blood exuding from the wound. The ground was soft with no tracks, except for the calf's. The calf "appeared to have dropped in its tracks where it was found."
• June 23rd, Monday: CANADA, ALBERTA (near Vermilion, east of Edmonton): A bull calf belonging to Emsland had its tongue, one ear, anus, and genitals removed. The left shoulder was removed down to the ribs. The animal was still warm when found. A veterinarian confirmed "unnatural death" with very little blood in the carcass, though little or none on the ground. It was avoided by predators. (Sources: W.K.Allan, T.A.Kwartel).
• June 25th, Wednesday: COLORADO, Elbert-Lincoln (near Limon): A 2-year-old Hereford female belonging to Monks/Englert had its left ear, left eye, tongue, and rectum removed. An 18" slit through the hide parallel along the ribs where the heart should be was noted, with no blood in evidence. The carcass was found near a pond. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• June 26th, Thursday: COLORADO, El Paso (near Ramah): A 5-year-old Angus cow belonging to Eurich had its rectum, 2 inches of tongue, and left eye removed. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• June, date unknown: COLORADO, El Paso (near Rush): A cow belonging to Divorce was reported, with no details.
• June, dates unknown: NEW MEXICO, Rio Arriba (Chama area): Three cows were reportedly mutilated, with the udder, rectum, and tongue missing. (Sources: Linda Howe; Gabe Valdez, NM St. Police).

July 1980 Cases

• June 28th, Saturday: CANADA, ALBERTA (Acadia Valley, Oyen area): A heifer calf belonging to Shubert had an apparent mutilation, with no details provided except that the carcass was found within a few kilometers of the May mutilation sites. (Source: MEDICINE HAT NEWS (Alberta), 7-23-80).
• late June: WYOMING, Fremont (near Jeffrey City): A heifer had its udder removed. (Sources: CASPER STAR-TRIBUNE; Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• July, date unknown: CANADA, ALBERTA (near Kitscoty, east of Edmonton): A 4-year-old Charolais crossbreed belonging to Everest had missing parts, not known. Scuff marks "like a rope burn" were on its left hind leg, and five burn marks "the size of silver dollars" were on its belly. The animal had been dead 24 hours or less. Fifty feet away were three evenly-spaced circles, 3-ft. in diameter, which appeared to have been burned. (Report: W.K. Allan; Kelowna, B.C.).
• July 16th, Wednesday: COLORADO, Park (near Kenosha Pass): Hikers and a guide discovered a mutilated marmot spread-eagled on a rock with all four legs outstretched. A quarter-sized hole was noted near the armpit over the heart, as though made by a "cookie cutter." There was no blood, only a few flies but no maggots. The guide, Zachary, mentioned that rodents sometimes feed on their own kind, but there were no signs of scavenging in the area (a meadow) which was frequently used by cattle. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• July 19th, Saturday: CANADA, ALBERTA (Bowell, NW of Medicine Hat): A 3-year-old cow belonging to Rath had its genitals, teats, right ear, "part of eye," and part of tongue removed. Two holes were noted in the neck, 150 mm apart. (Source: MEDICINE HAT NEWS, 7-23-80).
• July 28th, Monday: NEW MEXICO, Rio Arriba (near El Rito): A 6-month-old female cow belonging to Herrera had its rectum gone and two "needle marks" underneath its leg. An apparent mutilation was followed by predator damage. (Sources: RIO GRANDE SUN; Espanola, New Mexico, 8-7-80; Linda Howe, KMGH-TV; Gabe Valdez, NM St. Police).

August 1980 Cases

• August 6th, Wednesday: WASHINGTON, Pierce (near Eatonville): A 6-month-old heifer belonging to Houfburg had its udder and genitals "neatly and bloodlessly removed." It had been dead 2-3 days. This was noted as the 23rd mutilation in the county since 1975, but the first bovine mute. (Source: TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE (Washington), 8-7-80).
• August 7th, Thursday: CANADA, SASKATCHEWAN (Neudorf area): A 1½-year-old bull belonging to Mass had its left ear, testicles, and tongue removed, described as "internal carcas bloodless."
• August 11th, Monday: NEW YORK, Yates (near Potter): Six lambs belonging to Laffler, Castner were found dead. Over 100 sheep were similarly killed on two farms in 1980. Some sheep allegedly had their blood and all other bodily fluids drained, including milk in the case of nursing ewes. (Sources: FINGER LAKES TIMES (Geneva, NY), 8-12-80; report: Michael A, Hoffman).
• August 26th, Tuesday: COLORADO, Weld (15 miles SE of Briggsdale): A 600-lb. yearling steer belonging to Speaker had its right ear, right cheek, hide section above the eye, over the ear and back to the shoulder, and part of its lower lip removed. No tracks were found, except those of other cows, and there was no predation. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).

September 1980 Cases

• September 2nd, Tuesday: COLORADO, Weld (west of Hereford, 3-4 miles south of Wyoming border): A 6-year-old bull belonging to Frazier/Prewett was found flat on its back. Missing parts included the penis (not foreskin), both eyeballs, tongue, and testicle. The animal had been dead 1-2 days. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• September 5th, Saturday: COLORADO, Weld (between Hereford and Grover): UFOs, described as red & green airborne lights, were reported by two women and seen by deputies. Warren Air Force Base was contacted but noted nothing on radar. (Source: Linda Howe, KMGH-TV, Denver).
• September 5th or 6th, Saturday or Sunday: IOWA, Polk (near Granger): A 7-month-old Hereford-Limousin female calf belonging to Steddon had only its genitals missing. (Source: DES MOINES REGISTER, 9-13-80).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the detailed cataloging and investigation of animal mutilation cases, primarily from 1980. Project Stigma appears to maintain a serious, investigative stance, presenting factual data from various sources, including news reports and law enforcement. The publication actively solicits information from its readers, indicating a reliance on grassroots reporting and a desire to build a comprehensive database of these phenomena. The inclusion of potential links to "mystery helicopters" and UFO sightings suggests an open-minded approach to exploring various explanations for the mutilations, while still grounding the reporting in specific, documented events. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry into a phenomenon that is presented as sustained and significant, rather than a fleeting event.

This issue of STIGMATA, Volume 3, Issue 12, dated September 1980 (with content extending into November and December), is primarily a chronological catalog of animal mutilation reports from across the United States and Canada. The magazine's focus is on documenting these incidents with details about the location, date, type of animal, specific parts removed, and any witness accounts or evidence found. The publication also includes a section on scientific procedures for investigating and sampling mutilated animals, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and caution against speculation. The cover features a map illustrating the geographical distribution of reported mutilations in 1980.

Chronological Catalog of Animal Mutilations

The bulk of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed listing of animal mutilation cases, primarily from September, October, November, and December of 1980. Each entry provides specific information:

September 1980

• September 7th, Sunday: In Crook, Oregon, a cow was found dead, with attempted removal of the heart, dead for a few hours, showing no blood, tracks, or struggle.
• September 11th, Thursday: In Larimer, Colorado, a $1,000 Angus heifer was found with its rectum, genitals, and tail removed, and a puncture wound in its shoulder. No blood was evident.
• September 16th, Tuesday: In Weld, Colorado, two calves were found mutilated. The first had its tongue, a circle of hide on its belly, tail tassle, and part of its rectum removed, with two pencil-sized holes in its neck and an unidentified white substance found at the site. The second calf was missing an ear, all of its tail, and flesh from its ankle.
• September 22nd, Monday: In Albany, Wyoming, a 800-lb., 1½-yr.-old pregnant heifer had its flesh/hide on its jaw and nose removed, along with four teats, and its rectum cored. Microscopic examination of hairs showed sharply-severed ends, indicating possible predation following mutilation.
• September 23rd, Tuesday: In Jefferson, Colorado, a significant incident involved the sighting of an object that appeared to be a "helicopter" which changed shape to a "ball", then to a "square" object.
• September 25th, Thursday: In Bennett, South Dakota, a 500-lb. Angus steer had its genitals and a large surrounding area removed with a sharp instrument, without penetrating the abdominal cavity. Its neck was reported broken, with a large amount of blood still in the carcass.
• September 26th, Friday: In Bennett, South Dakota, a 450-lb. Angus heifer was mutilated in a manner described as "so identical" to a previous case that it was difficult to determine any differences.
• September, date unknown: In Bexar County, Texas, a 50-lb. white Yorkshire shoat had its heart and genitals removed.
• September 29th, Monday: In Weld, Colorado, a 4-year-old cow had its right eye, right ear, half of its ear-tag, hide around its nose and jaw, tongue, udder, rectum, and tail tassle removed, with a patch of hide missing from under its right front armpit. A neighbor heard a sound like a helicopter the previous night.

October 1980

• October 1st, Wednesday: In Washington, Colorado, a 9-year-old black Angus cow was found missing its entire udder, a patch of hide, and its rectum, with no blood or tracks. A neighbor reported that another of the owner's cows had been mutilated in 1977.
• October 1st, Wednesday: In Weld, Colorado, a 450-lb., 5-month-old steer calf had its rectum, genitals, both ears, and hide on its nose and between its eyes removed, with no blood, tracks, or signs of struggle.
• October 7th, Tuesday: In Renville, Minnesota, a 2-year-old Holstein bull had its genitals and right ear removed, and its left ear "cut on" but not removed, with a "sharp knife" used.
• October 8th, Wednesday: In Franklin, Washington, a 4-month-old pet goat had its head cut off and missing. The goat was alive at 8:30 AM and found at 6:30 PM.
• October 9th, Thursday: In Jones, Iowa, a 1000-lb. Hereford steer had its genitals removed. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation ruled the cause as natural causes/predation, but the large Stickle cattle operation had suffered over 25 similar mutilations on two farms in 1975.
• October 10th, Friday: In Adams, Colorado, a horse was found with evidence suggesting predator/scavenger activity, but its rectum was removed via an apparently cylindrical cut.
• Mid-to-late October, date unknown: In Harrison, Ohio, three bull calves were found mutilated: one missing its tongue, right eye, and hide from its jaws; another missing its tongue and both ears; and a Holstein heifer missing its tongue, right eye, and rectum. The latter carcass was untouched by animals after a week, and there was an unconfirmed report of a fourth mutilation about 20 miles away.
• October 18th, Saturday: In Dubuc, Saskatchewan, Canada, a 6-year-old black Angus cow had its anus, right ear, and all teats removed. There was no blood evidence externally or internally, and the carcass was dead 1-2 days and avoided by predators and scavengers.
• October 21st, Tuesday: In San Mateo, California, four sheep were killed by what appeared to be "rough axe" blows to the throat. They were killed and bled elsewhere, and the carcasses were laid out in a "perfect square" with intestines in the center.

November 1980

• Around first of the month: In Mahaska, Iowa, two hunting dogs were found on the same farm about 12 weeks apart. One dog had its hindquarters "torn off", and the other's head was "crushed", its neck broken, with "holes in its side". These were not considered "classic" mutes, but varied activity had been reported in Iowa.
• November 7th, Friday: In Deaf Smith, Texas, a 700-lb. heifer had its eyelid, tongue, two teats, and heart removed through an 8-inch circular hole in the shoulder. Some entrails were removed and laid neatly beside the cow. The rendering plant owner stated, "There is no animal that exists that could have done what was done to that cow."
• November 8th, Saturday: In Lucas, Iowa, a prize cow valued at $1300 had its "left eye alone was cut out."
• November, second week: In Webb, Texas, a 5-year-old whiteface bull had part of its penis removed, plus a circular piece of hide taken from its belly.
• November 12th, Wednesday: In Cameron, Texas, a bull calf had its genitals and anal spincter removed.
• November, first half: In Faulkner, Arkansas, two animals were found in the same pasture: an 800-lb. cow with its tongue "apparently cut out" and a 400-lb. calf with its tongue and left eye missing. Both appeared to have died the previous night.
• November 19th, Wednesday: In Lucas, Iowa, a $500 Jersey cow, a 4-H Grand Champion, had its left eye missing and four nipples cut off with "a very sharp instrument". The veterinarian thought the animal was shot in the eye, but the family heard no gunshots.
• November 24th, Monday: In Buchanan, Missouri, a calf was reported mutilated in a feed lot, with no further details provided.

December 1980

• December 4th, Thursday: In Buchanan, Missouri, a 350-lb. heifer in a feed lot, where mutilation occurred at the end of November, had its ear cut off. Apparent "cult" activity had been reported in this area, and southern Buchanan County adjoins Atchison County, Kansas, which had numerous mutilation reports.
• December 5th, Friday: In Weld, Colorado, a deer carcass was discovered with its tongue removed from "deep" in its throat, eyes gone, head cut open, brains taken, and a large triangular cut on its side. Its rectum and genitals were gone, and there was an 8-inch hole in its stomach area. The hunters believed mutilation occurred, followed by predation/scavenging.
• December 29th, Monday morning: In Union, North Carolina, three animal carcasses were found in a creek: a goat decapitated, a sheep "perfectly preserved" despite cold temperatures and a thin ice coat, and a pig "dismembered" (details not known).

ADDITIONS: TWO CASES INADVERTENTLY NOT INCLUDED IN CHRONOLOGY

• May 1980: In Weld, Colorado, five cows were found lying in a "straight" line along 1.5 miles of section line. One was dead of larkspur poisoning and fed upon by animals; the other four were mutilated unnaturally.
• Mid-June 1980: In Laramie, Wyoming, a 6-month-old steer calf had its ears cut off. A neighbor saw unexplained flashing red lights around the time of death.

Scientific Procedures for Mutilation Samples

Authored by Tommy Roy Blann, this section details the methodology for investigating animal mutilations. It stresses the importance of obtaining samples quickly due to deterioration and contamination factors, ideally within 24 hours. The recommended procedure involves taking a half-inch depth section of the wound area via a circular incision and preserving it in a 10% formaldehyde solution. Other samples, such as kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs, should be kept on ice and immediately analyzed for toxins and bacteria. Blood samples require specific handling with an anticoagulant like EDTA (not Heparin, which destroys red blood cell morphology) and should be kept cool but not frozen. The article outlines various tests for blood, kidneys, liver, wound tissues, and unknown residues, including atomic absorption, gas chromatography, and radiological analyses. It also covers color photo documentation techniques, emphasizing close-up shots of wounds and surrounding areas, and the importance of plaster casts for soil disturbances. The investigational techniques section warns against mistaking predator or scavenger activity for mutilation, noting that some animals are meticulous and can make wounds appear clean. Microscopic examination is presented as the definitive method for distinguishing between the two.

Tidbits

This section provides updates and miscellaneous information:

• Follow-up on "The Cult Connection": A report on a cult connection to mutilations is followed by a newspaper item about two Cubans shot after a cult rite in Miami, Florida. Police speculated the slayings were not directly related to cult activities, though the cult used dead animals and blood in its rituals.
• Horse Names: A curious coincidence is noted regarding the names of mutilated horses in 1980: "Shiloh" (California), "Traveler" (North Carolina), "Rebel" (Colorado), and "General" (Washington St.), which bring to mind General Robert E. Lee.
• MUFON Symposium: The 12th annual symposium of the Mutual UFO Network is announced for July 24-26, 1981, featuring a workshop on mutilations.
• LIFE Magazine Article: The on-again, off-again article on mutilations in LIFE Magazine is reported as off again.
• Project Stigma: Project Stigma is seeking photos of mutilated animals and offers to buy or trade for them, emphasizing the need for detailed information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the meticulous documentation of animal mutilation cases, presenting them as a phenomenon requiring serious investigation. The editorial stance, particularly evident in Tommy Roy Blann's article, is strongly in favor of scientific methodology, empirical evidence, and a cautious approach to speculation. The publication aims to collect and disseminate factual data, encouraging readers to contribute information while warning against sensationalism and unverified claims in the media. The connection between animal mutilations and potential UAP activity is also implied through the inclusion of the Jefferson, Colorado sighting. The magazine appears to be a dedicated resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in these unexplained phenomena.