ORLAND, Maine — Sweet Pea the steer is back home.
Tina Chadbourne, owner of the 1-year-old steer that is used by her 4-H club, said Sweet Pea was returned to her Orland farm Monday night after apparently being taken by several local youths who thought they were sparing him from the slaughterhouse.
“They thought they were saving him from the being slaughtered but, actually, he is a 4-H pet,” Chadbourne said. “He is used to teach kids how to handle animals.”
Sweet Pea, who is a white-faced Hereford weighing in at 300-350 pounds, disappeared from the family’s cattle and horse farm sometime Sunday night or Monday morning. It was unclear at the time whether he had escaped or been taken, but Chadbourne and her sister, Lisa McDonald, had suspicions that it was the latter and notified police.
Police got word about Sweet Pea’s potential whereabouts after news spread on Monday that the affectionate young steer was missing. Chadbourne said he was apparently stolen by two teens — one 15 years old and one 16 — and ended up at another farm, which has not been identified by police.
McDonald had said Monday that the family likely wasn’t interested in pressing charges as long as Sweet Pea was returned unharmed, but Chadbourne said Tuesday that the members of the Hoof & Paws 4-H club that she leads feel differently.
Whether charges are filed will depend on the police investigation, Chadbourne said. She added, however, that releasing an animal as large as a steer from captivity can be dangerous both to the animal and to drivers.
Lt. Tim Cote with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday that the investigation is continuing but declined to offer further comment.
Chadbourne said that Sweet Pea was a bit skittish Tuesday and was missing his ear tag and halter but otherwise appeared unharmed.
I love small towns!
love the hat on the steer :-)
yould see the glasses one we have he is such a good boy very sweet.
Holy Cow!
Their hearts may have been in the right place, but obviously they were mis-informed. I’m a vegetarian, but even if the steer weren’t a pet, they didn’t have the right to steal him, and they could have caused him harm by taking him.
yes the out come cold have been very bad. thank god they didnt let the bull or a few other cows out.
….
I’m immediately suspicious this matter involved a “McDonald”; a “Farm” and “Hat wearing Hereford”…….as a matter of fact Sweet Peas picture looks a lot like a summer residents (minus sunglasses). Is that bull from away? Story should be retitled from “NO BULL” to “BULL FOUND”
We’re lucky that this sort of thing still rates as “news.”
Thank god Sweet Pea has been returned! I think you should press charges on the teenagers, If you do not then how do we know they learned a lesson from this. Did they learn that stealing is a crime? or did the learn that if they steal they can get away with it? Either way I am very happy that Sweet Pea is home and safe!
I think having to muck out the barn/stable for six months would be a fair sentence. :-)
we are going ahead with charges community service would be very nice to see
So glad that Sweet Pea has returned home!
Sweet Pea is home Good!!
Lucky it’s still not back in the western days. Used to string people up for cattle rustling.
I am glad Sweet Pea is back home…. What a sweet face!
yes safe at home, looks better looking at you in this foto, rather than staring up at you from your dinner plate! and those kids should be prosecuted, no matter.
PETA wannabes? Throw the book at them.
I would be happy with a lOT of community service and a sorry letter to the 4hkids
i dont know if i like the name sweat pea, maybe “beef jerky” is better
Glory be to GOD Sweet pea is safe and home and doing well. I hope he does not come down with A.D.D. after this shock of being lost. He is pretty cute.
Do you mean P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)?
That funny
he was a litle shaking last night but back to normal today
He mite have gone out on the town and had 2 or 3 drinks and was a hit with all the woman.Then old sweet pea may have found himself a woman and ended up at Super 8 on main street for the night. Them they put a APB and contacted America’s Most Wanted. I bet John Walsh was on his way to interview the family. I bet sweet pea will never tell the real story.
Good boy Sweet Pea!