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Two arrested for abusing calf in Yavapai County, YCSO says

YCSO: Two arrested for abusing calf
Posted at 4:56 PM, Aug 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-28 20:47:35-04

Authorities have arrested two people for abusing a baby cow and firing a gun near its head in the Cottonwood area. 

Deputies began investigating early Tuesday morning after a video of the incident began circulating on social media, according to a release from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.

Watch video of the incident in the player above, but viewer discretion is advised.

The video showed one of the suspects, later identified as 23-year-old Kyle Abrigo, shaking the calf and kicking it two or three times, including stomping on its head.

Abrigo also pulled out a handgun, placed it next to the animal's head, and fired a round into the ground, authorities say. The video shows the calf flinching.

The other suspect, 19-year-old Nathan Chambliss, hit the calf in the face several times and slammed it into the ground before putting it in a choke hold. Chambliss also allegedly discharged a weapon near the animal.

Deputies say the pair appeared to be laughing throughout the incident.

When contacted by investigators, Abrigo was shown the video and admitted to his participation, YCSO said.

The release says both Abrigo and Chambliss admitted to drinking during the incident, which happened in the Perkinsville Ranch area near Mingus Mountain.

The calf was found uninjured and the owner was notified.

The pair has been booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges of cruelty to animals and disorderly conduct, among others.