Florida man Hung Trinh faces felony charges after shooting his neighbor’s pregnant cow five times when it wandered onto his property, leading to the animal being euthanized and raising questions about property rights versus animal cruelty.

At a Glance

• Hung Trinh, 54, of North Fort Myers was arrested after allegedly shooting his neighbor’s pregnant 2-year-old cow multiple times
• The cow was found severely injured with five gunshot wounds to the gut, chest, and rear leg, forcing authorities to euthanize it
• Trinh had previously threatened to shoot animals that entered his property due to ongoing issues with his neighbor’s livestock
• He faces charges of animal cruelty and grand theft of a commercial farm animal, with a $100,000 bond and arraignment set for June 16

Violent Response to Wandering Livestock

Law enforcement officials in Lee County, Florida arrested 54-year-old Hung Trinh after he allegedly shot his neighbor’s pregnant cow that had strayed onto his North Fort Myers property. Deputies responded to the scene on May 13 to find the young cow critically wounded with multiple gunshot wounds. The 2-year-old calf, which belonged to a neighbor who raises animals for commercial purposes, had been shot five times in the gut, chest, and rear leg, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

When deputies arrived, they found the cow still alive but struggling with its injuries. After assessing the animal’s condition, officials determined that the humane course of action was to euthanize the animal due to the severity of its wounds. During their investigation, authorities discovered a .22 caliber firearm on Trinh’s property that is believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. Investigators noted that this wasn’t a spontaneous act but followed a pattern of threats.

A Florida man is facing charges after the Lee County Sheriff’s Office says he shot his neighbor’s pregnant cow five times when the animal wandered onto his property. https://t.co/p9ezvRgm6K

— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) May 17, 2025

History of Threats and Tensions

According to reports from both the New York Post and Fox News, Trinh had previously made explicit threats to shoot animals that entered his property. Neighbors told investigators that Trinh had become increasingly frustrated with livestock crossing onto his land. Rather than working through proper channels or seeking assistance from animal control or local authorities, Trinh allegedly took matters into his own hands with deadly consequences for the pregnant cow.

“There will be accountability for taking your frustrations out on innocent animals, in this case, multiple felonies and jail time.”, said Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between property rights and responsible animal management in rural areas. While property owners have rights to protect their land, law enforcement officials emphasized that these rights do not extend to harming animals in such a manner. The neighbor, who wasn’t identified in news reports, operates a commercial farming operation, making the loss of the pregnant cow not just an emotional blow but a financial one as well.

Legal Consequences and Law Enforcement Response

Trinh now faces serious legal repercussions for his actions. He has been charged with animal cruelty, a felony offense in Florida that carries significant penalties, as well as grand theft of a commercial farm animal. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office booked Trinh on a $100,000 bond, and he is scheduled for arraignment on June 16. The high bond amount reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case of animal cruelty.

“We know how much these animals mean to our farming community, and we will not tolerate these actions. I am proud of my Agriculture Unit for their immediate response and ability to make an arrest in this case.”, added Sheriff Marceno.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno emphasized the importance of protecting farm animals and holding those who harm them accountable. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s Agriculture Unit, which specializes in cases involving livestock and farm operations, led the investigation. The swift action by law enforcement in this case demonstrates the county’s commitment to protecting agricultural interests and preventing animal cruelty, particularly in a region where farming remains an important part of the local economy and community.