RSSEleven wayward cows die after being struck on US 97
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TOPPENISH, Wash. — Two semis claimed the lives of 11 cows that wandered across U.S. Highway 97 south of Toppenish on Thursday, according to the final tally at the scene.
The Washington State Patrol issued the updated death toll in a news release Thursday about the 4:55 a.m. incident, which disrupted traffic for three hours.
Neither of the semi drivers was hurt, troopers said.
The two big rigs were both southbound about two miles south of Toppenish. The first one collided with the black cows in the dark; moments later, the second truck took out more of the animals, which had escaped from a farm about five miles away.
A few cows in the wayward herd survived the encounter, a State Patrol spokesman said
The first semi, driven by 55-year-old Ramon Gutierrez of Yakima, was damaged and had to be towed away, troopers said. The second semi, driven by 58-year-old Corbin Kimble of Vancouver, Wash., was able to be driven from the scene.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts.
10 cows equals about 5 thousand dollars. Too bad. The cows said "We've had enough we're getting out of this dump, trample that fence! All we are doing is getting raised to be slaughtered! Save yourselves! We'll travel down hwy 97 to get where we are going.!!! MOOOOO!"
Report ViolationTwo questions come to mind: Is this county still considered a "range area"? If so, then the trucks could be held financially liable for the cost of the dead beef.
The other: If this was on the Reservation portion of the highway, does the same open range law apply?
Lucky it was two trucks and no cars - people could have been killed or severely injured if a car hit the herd.
The headline should have read - "Beef Grilled on Highway 97".
No, its not open range out there I belive these cows just escaped through an open fence or something. I know ppl with horses out there when they get out they run down the highway too. It is on the reservation so a criss cross of mess who whos jurisdiction will apply. Some animals get depressed too I see dogs that wait inn the middle of the road to be hit to commit suicide.
Report ViolationOh get real, how do you know a cow is depressed. How stupid. It was an accident...quit making up junk you don't even know about.
It depends on whether the rancher wants to make a claim of it, otherwise his insurance will cover it.
I know, I've benn a cattle rancher for 20 years.
Ouch, been down this road before…
It will not be up to the rancher alone to make a clam with the insurance. Hopefully
the rancher has good insurance to cover wandering livestock. Damage to those big rigs could cost a pretty penny. Rancher is very lucky no one was killed.
My insurance is very clear; I am responsible for containment of my livestock, and my lazy old dog. The cat is the only one allowed to roam.
I said dogs were depressed. All I know is your stink cows are polluting this whole valley. Get em outta here. And don't mad so easy you might get mad cow disease
Report ViolationYou got to admit though my short story was funny. Unless someone was offended because they love cows.
Report ViolationI reported my self as a violation and my comments are still up there. I was offended b cuz thehelusay didn't like my cool story. I was outta line
Report ViolationI laughed Aurelius...ha!
Have we gotten so polarized in this country that we can't even laugh at a funny comment. Lighten up folks. It would be a different matter if a person had died, and yes,(before someone calls me a heartless animal hater), it's sad the cows died before their scheduled time to be slaughtered. My boys left at 4:00a.m to go fishing at John Day this morning, I wonder if they got held up in the traffic slowdown?
Sorry the cows died, and lucky for the drivers they were not hurt. I beleive anmials do get depressed and have seen them jump in front of a car on purpose. Otherwise, you all are just funny! I believe ranchers are responsible for keeping their stock within the fences, and that goes for on the rez. Not sure about the lazy ol dogs, ha ha, or kitties, but, for a tragic story of loss of cattle, you all are just funny. Tomorrow is friday. yee haw!
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