Stigmata - Issue 22

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: NUMBER 22
Volume: 1985
Date: 1985
Publisher: PROJECT STIGMA
Country: USA
Price: $3.00

This issue of STIGMATA, Number 22 from 1985, is presented as the only edition to appear in that year, with a single issue planned for 1986. The magazine focuses on "THE PROJECT STIGMA REPORT ON THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION INTO THE OCCURRENCE OF ANIMAL MUTILATIONS," detailing reports from 1983 and 1984 across various locations in the United States.

Subscription and Back Issue Information

The magazine provides details on subscriptions and back issues. The cost per issue is $3.00 for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and $4.00 for other countries. Two issues cost $5.00 (U.S., Canada, Mexico) or $7.00 (all other countries). Available back issues include Numbers 13 (1981), 14 (1981), 16 (1982), 17 (1982), 19 (1982), 20 (1983), and 21 (1984). The cost for back issues is $3.00 each or two for $5.00 (U.S., Canada, Mexico), and $4.00 each or two for $7.00 (all other countries).

Payments must be made via checks on U.S. banks, U.S. money orders, U.S. cash, or Canadian cash. Foreign subscribers are asked to contact the publisher for exchange agreements. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Thomas R. Adams. The publication's address is PROJECT STIGMA, P.O. Box 1094, Paris, Texas 75460, USA.

Animal Mutilations - 1983 & 1984

The report begins by noting that since the "up" year of 1980, mutilation reports have been sporadically consistent, with some recent cases being of high "classic" quality. No single geographical area predominated, but areas like Tacoma-Seattle, southwestern South Dakota, and Central and North Central Texas generated more reports.

Arizona (1983)

In Pima County, south of Tucson, three bulls were found mutilated between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday of 1983. Two were owned by one rancher and the third by another. The animals were found approximately 100 yards apart in a straight line from northeast to southwest. Their genitals, tongues, and rectums had been removed. The rancher noted a lack of normal predation or scavenging on the carcasses. Rumors of other mutilations in the Tucson area investigated by law agencies exist but have not yielded details.

Arkansas (Mid-February 1983)

In Garland County (Hot Springs Area), the remains of three dogs, described as Doberman pinschers and 3 to 5 months old, were found in a creek. The animals were skinned completely, and one appeared to have been shot. This is described as a "dog-skinning outbreak," with pelts likely shipped to Europe for coats and stoles.

Pike County (June 3, 1983)

Farmer Claude Lowery of the Langley area found one of his cows missing its left eye and uterus, with the tongue apparently cut out. Deputy James Cogdell suspected a tranquilizer dart. Lowery had lost two other cattle to apparent mutilators in mid-June 1981. The first incident involved a 400-lb. heifer yearling found dead with incisions and missing hide from its flank and abdomen, and a missing left eye. Two days later, another cow was found dead and mutilated, also missing its left eye. The deputy and Lowery found the cow's tongue removed and its blood seemingly drained. The sheriff's department kept watch, but no further incidents occurred. Dr. James Cornelius of the state veterinarian's office stated that in his five years, he had not diagnosed an actual mutilation, suggesting birds like buzzards removed parts. However, Lowery insisted scavengers were not to blame.

California (1983)

Compared to previous years, 1983 saw fewer reports. However, there was a different twist with 22 pelicans in Monterey and 23 in San Diego and Orange Counties being victims. Their pouches were slit, windpipes smashed, or chests cut open with a "three-pointed instrument."

Colorado (May 21, 1983)

In Washington County, a ranching couple near Lindon discovered their third mutilated cow. They had experienced previous mutilations in June 1977 and October 1980. A neighbor reported seeing a helicopter over the pasture within one or two days of the discovery.

Colorado (June 1983)

In the Ramah area, a rancher discovered the carcass of a 3-year-old heifer whose udder had been cleanly removed. The animal was seen alive and well on a Saturday afternoon and found dead on the following Monday.

Colorado (Mid-August 1983)

The same Ramah-area rancher lost another cow in August. As in June, the udder had been completely removed.

Nebraska (April 5, 1983)

In Sioux County, a pregnant Hereford cow was discovered in the snow. Its udder and proximal medial thigh skin were gone, as were the upper lip and end of the tongue. Patches of hide were removed from the belly near the naval, leaving a roughly triangular cavity. This is described as a "curiously-symmetrical wound."

Nebraska (April 16, 1983)

In Franklin County, a 10-year-old pregnant cow was found dead and mutilated. Its left eye was gone, as was the hide around about half of the jaw. Four teats were severed at the udder, and there was a baseball-size hole below the tail where the anus appeared "cored out." The animal was bloated, with no blood evident except for one patch. The head had the appearance of having been "thrown back." No tracks were found, except for a clear round print behind the carcass. The rancher was notified by a neighbor who had seen "A Strange Harvest."

New Mexico (March 28 or 29, 1983)

In Rio Arriba County, Dulce area, a cow belonging to rancher Manuel Gomez was found on pasture. Only the animal's udder had been removed "with a sharp instrument," leaving a "scalloped" pattern around the incision, similar to "pinking shears." There were bruises on the left rear and front legs, and the back appeared broken.

New Mexico (Mid-May 1983)

In Lea County, near Hobbs, a livestock inspector for the State Livestock Board lost a bull or steer to mutilators. The penis and anus were missing. The inspector, who had previously been critical of Gabe Valdez's allegations of "classic" mutilations, apologized after his first-hand experience.

New Mexico (June 12, 1983)

In Sandoval County, another female bovine was discovered 3½ miles north of Cuba. The cow's udder had been removed "with a sharp instrument," with no bleeding in evidence. The cow's 30-day-old calf was found alive next to its mother.

New Mexico (June 14 or 15, 1983)

In Rio Arriba County, a mutilated yearling steer was discovered on the Lobo Lodge property, north of Chama. Approximately half of the animal's penis was taken with a "razor-sharp instrument." A 4 to 6-inch-diameter circle of hide was cut from the belly. It appeared that scavenging birds had picked at the eyes and tongue.

New Mexico (June 24, 1983)

A cow belonging to Arnold Vigil, a member of the Jicarilla Apache tribe, was discovered dead in a pasture east of the "Gasbuggy site." The udder and anus were removed with "precision," and one ear appeared sliced off. The other cows in the herd were quietly grazing around the carcass.

Oklahoma (November 13, 1983)

In Bryan County, the carcass of a bull was discovered in farmer Buddy Tomme's pasture. The genitals, tongue, and one eye were reported missing, and some blood might have been removed. Ten similar cases had been reported in the county the preceding year. The District Attorney was hesitant to call it a mutilation without seeing it, but expressed confidence in the deputy's observations. The undersheriff was skeptical of cult activity being involved.

Oregon (April 24, 1981 - reported in 1983)

In Clackamas County, Mrs. Jackie Carignan found a cow of hers missing both eyes, the udder, vagina, and heart. The mutilation-wounds on a 5-year-old Guernsey-Angus female bovine found in 1983 were not as neat as those on a cow in 1981. The cow was found 200 yards behind the barn, missing only its udder.

Oregon (October 29, 1983)

Another mutilation in northern Clackamas County involved a 9-month-old heifer. The ears and teats had been severed. The animal had apparently been hit on the back of the head with a blunt instrument. Neighbors reported seeing the animal lying in the field. Sheriff's Deputy Jim Munsey suggested it could be part of a cult ritual and noted that mutilations are often done by "professionals" with no blood, resembling a "skillful surgeon."

Tennessee (November 20, 1983)

In Stewart County, in the Land Between The Lakes recreation area, the carcasses of 25 farm animals were found along a road. Authorities did not know who dumped them or why. The animals included horses, ponies, pigs, calves, bulls, cows, burros, and goats. Two piles of animals were discovered about 200 yards apart, one pile estimated to have been there for about a week and a half, and the other for three or four days.

Texas (Dallas County, first few weeks of 1983)

In Carrollton, north Dallas County, there was news coverage and public concern over mysterious small pet deaths and a "high animal mortality rate." A "Save Our Pets" committee organized and petitioned the city council. A survey of about 30 homes turned up "some 50-odd" reports of pets dying under "mysterious circumstances." City health officials conducted their own survey and found 27 unexplained animal deaths. Autopsies were conducted in five cases, with three showing no evidence of poisoning. In February 1983, it was reported that two dogs died after ingesting sodium monofluoroacetate, a "rat poison."

Texas (Jefferson County, February 9, 1983)

In Beaumont, a woman noticed the apparently headless body of a cow in a pasture. The cow had been decapitated and split open at the belly. The owner, Johnny Holley, stated the cow had just delivered a calf when it was killed. The cow's head had a 5-inch cut between the eyes, and it appeared the neck was chopped off at the base of the skull. Ax marks and blood were visible on a nearby tree trunk. Holley believes whoever killed the cow was after its blood, noting the lack of blood at the scene.

Texas (Cameron County, March 15, 1983)

Around 7:00 PM, a "huge", silent flying object, tube-shaped with a yellow-green light on top, was seen over the Harlingen area. The next day, a horse was found missing, and a mutilated calf was found in the same area, with eyes and genitals removed and reported to have been "drained of blood." A woman who saw the UFO reportedly suffered a "nervous breakdown."

Texas (Grayson County, June, July)

On a farm west of Sherman, George and Sally Myatt reported animal deaths over several weeks, including a colt, a cat, and chickens. The cat's death was not cited, but sheriff's deputies said it was killed by an animal, with apparent teeth marks. The chickens were attributed to summer heat. The dog's injury was a patch of missing hair. The horse disappeared the same day in June that it was found disemboweled in a field. A second colt also disappeared. The Myatts maintain the animals were not killed by other animals and reported incidents to authorities. Mrs. Myatt reported hearing strange music and chanting and seeing lights near a barn.

Texas (Dallas County, March-July)

In Southern Dallas County, eight horses were sexually mutilated and killed, causing considerable uproar. Police stated the killers used tool handles and pipe, inflicting internal injuries. The attacks occurred on brightly moonlit nights. Investigator E.E. Carol stated police had no leads. The first two attacks occurred at a South Dallas farm. In the first attack (March 30), a Belgian mare was mutilated internally with a plastic pipe, and a dog was found beaten to death with a shovel. On April 30, four quarter horse mares were killed similarly. A veterinarian noted that it appeared to be the work of professionals who knew about horses, but was unsure how they were doing it without injury.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of STIGMATA are the persistent and varied nature of animal mutilations across different regions of the United States, the meticulous and often bizarre methods employed (such as precise removal of organs, 'scalloped' incisions, and lack of blood), and the ongoing investigation into potential causes. The magazine presents a factual, reportorial stance, detailing incidents with dates, locations, and witness accounts, while also acknowledging speculation regarding cult activities and even UFO involvement in some cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these unexplained phenomena, providing a platform for detailed case studies and information dissemination to its readership.

This issue of UFO Universe focuses on the alarming prevalence of livestock mutilations and unexplained animal deaths throughout 1984 across the United States. The cover headline, "1984: THE YEAR OF THE MUTILATIONS," sets the tone for a detailed examination of these often bizarre and disturbing cases.

Texas Cases (1983-1984) The issue begins by detailing incidents from late 1983 that carry into the 1984 theme. In South Dallas County, over 100 angry horse owners reported a series of horse mutilations, with many vowing to take matters into their own hands. Bill Watson, an owner, described the uncanny silence of the perpetrators. Rewards totaling $3000 were offered for information.

In September 1983, in West Houston, Harris County, approximately three dozen animals (sheep and cattle) kept by Future Farmers of America members were targeted. Eleven sheep were killed, with five lambs severely mutilated, including one with its throat cut and another skinned alive. A subsequent attack on September 29th or 30th resulted in six more sheep being killed, exhibiting stab wounds and bite marks consistent with a large dog.

In October 1983, Falls County reported a mutilated Hereford cow found with its tongue and right eye removed, a case that perplexed a local veterinarian. Later that month, in Dallas County, a horse was found decapitated with its genitals removed, leading to suspicions of cultist involvement. In November 1983, Mesquite, Dallas County, saw the discovery of a cat and a dissected pig hanging in a boarded-up house, adorned with satanic symbols. The issue also notes a report from Freestone County in December 1983, where several cows were mutilated in a classic manner, accompanied by reports of unidentified aircraft.

Washington Cases (1984) In April 1984, Snohomish County, Washington, investigated a missing horse case with no details. Pierce County, known for numerous horse mutilations, saw a skinned horse head found hanging in an abandoned building, with deputies suspecting teen-age Satan worshippers. Similarities were noted between Pierce County and Dallas County cases. In mid-June, a steer in Pend Oreille County was reportedly mutilated while still alive.

Colorado Cases (1984) April 1984 in Morgan County, Colorado, a rancher found a pregnant cow carcass with a small hole in its neck, its udder and vagina/anus removed. The cow had recently given birth, and the calf later died. In Las Animas County, investigator Lou Girodo, who had a decade of experience with mutilation cases, commented on the difficulty of convincing "city folks" about potential links to "spaceships." A case from October 1984 involved Myron Scott, who reported seeing two white, pulsating lights hovering over his pasture before discovering a mutilated steer. The steer's hide was rolled back, its jaw and tongue removed, and its stomach, genitals, and intestines were missing. Investigator Girodo and Deputy Carl Veltri examined the carcass, noting unusual animal behavior and evidence suggesting the steer may have been dropped from a significant height. A veterinarian later suggested the possibility of the animal being beaten with a sledgehammer and potentially lifted by a rope or similar apparatus.

Other US Cases (1984)

Massachusetts In March 1984, Worcester County reported the discovery of at least 8 dogs, possibly German shepherds, found mutilated near Dudley or in the French River. A reward fund was established for this "bizarre series" of dog killings.

Missouri In August 1984, Franklin County reported the death of a cow missing its udder and "lips," with area farmers noting 3 to 4 similar mutilations in the region over the preceding "couple of years."

Montana In November 1984, Cascade County, an area with a history of mutilations and UFO reports, saw the discovery of a 450-pound steer calf that had an ear cut off, lips removed, rectum cut, and male organs removed. The cuts were clean, and there was no blood. The Sheriff's office initially deemed it normal but acknowledged investigating similar incidents from a decade prior.

Nebraska In July 1984, Madison County reported a 600-pound steer calf found with its penis removed "from quite a way inside" and swelling on its head, indicating a blow. The owner wondered how anyone could have approached the animal undetected.

New Mexico For the first time since 1975, no livestock mutilation cases were reported in New Mexico in 1984, leading to speculation about coyotes and buzzards taking a break or going vegetarian.

North Dakota In April-June 1984, Ward County reported two calves found dead with one ear sliced off, and a registered quarter horse found dead with a slip-knotted rope around its neck. The sheriff noted the strangeness of the ear-cutting cases.

Ohio In December 1984, Union County was investigating a series of animal slayings, including mass killings of dogs, cats, and chickens, with carcasses found neatly stacked.

Oklahoma In June 1984, Bryan County investigated two cattle deaths, one of which was apparently mutilated. A cow was reported "shot and partially cut up, with an ear and other body parts removed unnaturally." The owner disputed the sheriff's report that the animal had been shot in the eye.

Oregon In June 1984, Union County reported a 3-month-old calf found with its sex organs removed with surgical precision and its tail missing. The ranch manager speculated "a heavy drug of some kind" as the cause of death, noting the absence of wounds or blood and the unusual behavior of other cattle towards the carcass. The cuts were too neat for wild animals, and there were no vehicle tracks or footprints.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes throughout this issue are the baffling nature of livestock mutilations, the precision of the injuries, the lack of conventional explanations (predators, disease), and the reluctance of ranchers to report such incidents due to fear of ridicule. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these phenomena, exploring potential links to cult activity and unidentified aerial phenomena (UFOs), as evidenced by the detailed reporting and the inclusion of investigator's reports and witness testimonies. The issue highlights 1984 as a particularly active year for these events, suggesting a pattern or escalation.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, identified as Volume 21, Issue 21, with a raw date of November, focuses on the persistent mystery of cattle mutilations and their potential connection to unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs). The magazine presents a collection of reports from various locations across the United States, primarily from the 1980s, detailing bizarre and often surgically precise mutilations of livestock.

Cattle Mutilations Across the US

The issue details numerous incidents, beginning with a report from Oregon concerning a cow with its birth canal sliced and organs removed, exhibiting no blood. Veterinarian Mace Schram confirmed the mutilation but expressed bafflement. In Baker County, Oregon, Deputy Sheriff Bud Newby concluded that vultures were responsible for apparent mutilations, though other cases remained unexplained.

Texas features prominently with several cases. In February 1984, an 18-month-old Hereford cow was found cut in half in Gregg County. In November 1984, near Abilene, a calf was discovered with its birth canal sliced and tongue and ear cleanly removed, described as a "too smooth a cut" by police, indicating a very sharp instrument. In Grayson County, Texas, a Doberman pinscher exhibited a peculiar "shaven" area with a small, deep hole, and a similar incident occurred with a 3-year-old Arabian stallion, which had a hairless patch on its chest with a round hole.

Other reported incidents include possible "cult" activities in Johnson County, Texas, involving strange people and "howling in the nearby woods." In Utah, a classic cattle mutilation was reported in Duchesne County in July 1984. Virginia reported the disappearance of 75 yellow cats in Washington County in April 1984. In Washington state, Pierce County saw continued reports of horse mutilations, with a committee investigating the phenomenon and questioning who "they" are.

Further cases include a mutilated cow found near Enumclaw, Washington, shortly after giving birth, with its rectum, uterus, tongue, and teats missing, and its throat slashed. The cuts were described as made by an extremely sharp object by someone with knowledge in such things.

UFO Sightings and Strange Lights

Intertwined with the animal mutilation reports are accounts of UFO sightings and strange lights. In South Dakota, families at the Jerry Grass and Clayton Merchen ranches reported unexplained lights hovering over pastures, coinciding with a wave of mutilations. These lights were described as moving rapidly, appearing as spotlights, and emitting a "whirring low roar sound."

Clayton Merchen reported seeing white lights that moved quickly towards him, and later, his daughter and cousin witnessed lights appearing behind and above their moving vehicle. Law enforcement officers in South Dakota also observed strange lights, describing them as approaching, splitting into two, with a flashing red light in between, and moving parallel to their car at a low altitude without illuminating the surroundings.

Expert Opinions and Theories

The magazine includes commentary from various individuals, including veterinarians and law enforcement officials, who express confusion and concern over the nature of the mutilations. One veterinarian from Wyoming noted the thorough removal of an eyeball and optic nerve, leaving him to wonder how it was done. The issue touches upon various theories, including predators, Satanic cults, government research, and UFOs.

End Notes and Further Research

The "End Notes" section provides additional brief reports, including a claim from Australia about military cover-ups of UFO sightings linked to mutilated animal carcasses. It also mentions ongoing investigations into mutilations in France and a planned compilation of reports on rabbit mutilations. The section concludes by referencing future publications and ongoing investigations into mystery helicopters and other phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained nature of animal mutilations, the precision of the injuries, the lack of conventional explanations, and the frequent correlation with UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of presenting these reports as credible mysteries that warrant further investigation, leaning towards the possibility of non-terrestrial involvement due to the unusual characteristics of the events described. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging readers to share their own reports.