A North Fort Myers resident is facing serious charges after following through on a disturbing threat that left a young animal fighting for its life.
The quiet farming community was left stunned when a man allegedly took matters into his own hands after his neighbor’s livestock wandered onto his property.
And a Florida man made one disturbing threat to his neighbor that ended with a tragic shooting.
The shocking incident occurred on May 13 when Lee County Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit responded to reports of animal cruelty at a ranch on Sharon Drive in North Fort Myers, Florida.
What they discovered was heartbreaking.
Deputies found a 2-year-old pregnant calf that had been shot multiple times in its gut, chest, and rear leg.Â
The young animal was still alive but struggling to stand or walk after the brutal attack.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the cow’s owner discovered his injured animal on neighbor Hung Trinh’s property.Â
The injuries were so severe that a veterinarian determined the calf needed to be euthanized.
“Deputies were informed that a victim located his 2-year-old calf on the neighbor’s property with five gunshot wounds to the guts, chest, and rear leg,” the sheriff’s office stated.
The 54-year-old Trinh had apparently been building resentment for some time over neighboring farm animals occasionally crossing onto his land.
According to authorities, Trinh had previously expressed anger about livestock jumping the fence and had made explicit threats about what would happen if it occurred again.
“Due to the calf’s injuries, a veterinarian determined the calf needed to be euthanized,” police explained in their statement.
The cow’s owner told deputies that Trinh had “been angry in the past about livestock jumping the fence and threatened to shoot the animals,” a threat he apparently decided to carry out.
Detectives from the First Precinct obtained a search warrant for Trinh’s property and located what they believe to be the murder weapon – a .22 caliber gun hidden in a shed.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno didn’t mince words when discussing the case.
“There will be accountability for taking your frustrations out on innocent animals, in this case, multiple felonies and jail time,” Sheriff Marceno said in a statement. “We know how much these animals mean to our farming community, and we will not tolerate these actions.”
The sheriff added that “I am proud of my Agriculture Unit for their immediate response and ability to make an arrest in this case.”
Trinh now faces serious consequences for his alleged actions. He’s been charged with animal cruelty and grand theft of a commercial farm animal – both felony charges that could result in significant jail time.
Court records show Trinh was booked on a $100,000 bond, with his arraignment scheduled for June 16.
The case highlights escalating tensions that can sometimes arise in rural communities where residential properties and agricultural operations exist side by side.
While property disputes between neighbors aren’t uncommon, this incident crossed a disturbing line that has shocked local residents and animal lovers alike.
For the cow’s owner, who raises livestock for commercial purposes, the loss represents both an emotional and financial blow – especially considering the animal was pregnant and would have eventually produced a calf of its own.
The sheriff’s office indicated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing, suggesting there could be additional developments in the case.
This disturbing incident serves as a reminder that disputes between neighbors should be handled through proper legal channels rather than taking drastic measures that can result in animal suffering and criminal charges.
