04/20/2026
On April 18, 2026, officers with the Gonzales Police Department responded to a cow running at large within the city limits.
The animal was originally reported near Sarah DeWitt Drive (Wells Fargo area) after it jumped out of a trailer while the owner was on location. The cow continued running and made its way to State Highway 97, creating a serious hazard for motorists.
👮♂️ Officers and multiple citizens attempted to safely catch and contain the cow for an extended period of time. Despite these efforts, the animal continued to run through roadways and could not be safely secured.
The owner, who initially contacted authorities and remained on scene requested the animal be put down, as it was already intended for butchering.
⚠️ This was NOT the first option considered. However, due to the immediate danger to the public, with the animal actively running along major highways, officers made the decision to euthanize the animal to prevent a serious or potentially fatal accident.
We appreciate the assistance from citizens who helped during this incident and thank the community for your patience.
🐄 Reminder to Livestock Owners: Please ensure animals are properly secured. Loose livestock on roadways can quickly become a life-threatening situation.
— Gonzales Police Department