Polk County sheriffs arrested Stewart Smith after he stole a bull from a nearby farm and tried to sell it at auction.
According to WFLA, the bull’s owner, who raised the bull since it was a calf, recognized the four-and-a-half year-old animal at the Cattleman’s Livestock Auction in Lakeland since it had a specific ear notch and unique facial markings.
Smith, who admitted to knowing the the bull was someone else’s property, is charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property.
The bull is back with its rightful owner following the butchered burglary.
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This article appears in Aug 15-22, 2019.