Farmer's cows on the mooove

By Bruno Matarazzo Jr.
Staff Writer

September 05, 2008 05:38 am

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BOXFORD — Where's the beef?

That's what one self-described "gentlemen farmer" is asking of his three beef cows that went missing on Sunday.

Louis Athanas of Middleton Road said the cows took off after someone left the gate open on his property.

"Hopefully, they'll come back home, especially with the weather getting bad this weekend," Athanas said.

The three beef cows have been on the prowl all week, and police have received numerous reports from residents who spotted the bovines.

Police Lt. Bob Hazelwood said police received a report yesterday morning of the cows on High Ridge Road, but when police went to respond, the cows had already left.

Previously, police were out Wednesday night with Athanas after a sighting on Main Street.

"The owner was out there with a bucket of grains, but that didn't capture their attention, either," Hazelwood said.

These days, grains aren't the food du jour for three cows: grass is, and lots of it.

"There's a lot of green grass out there, so they're having a feast," Athanas said of the year-and-a-half-old cows.

Athanas said if residents happen to spot the cows, don't worry. He said to call the Boxford police at 978-887-8135, and they will contact Athanas.