PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix police say a family’s pet cow died after being pelted with softballs.

Sgt. Steve Martos tells KPHO-TV (http://bit.ly/1qGACca ) that the family found the animal with severe injuries on their north Phoenix ranch on Friday morning.

Martos says the cow was surrounded by more than a dozen softballs.

The cow had to be euthanized by a veterinarian, who told authorities a potato-launcher was likely used because of how badly the animal was hurt.

Authorities say some of the 13 softballs found were property of Desert Shadows Middle School.

Police are investigating the incident for possible charges of animal cruelty.

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Information from: KPHO-TV, http://www.kpho.com/

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