Dead longhorn found on Oklahoma State fraternity lawn stirs controversy ahead of Big 12 championship showdown

STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA: On the morning of Friday, December 1, a longhorn was discovered dead on the lawn of the FarmHouse fraternity at Oklahoma State University.

The graphic discovery came just one day before OSU's major face-off against the University of Texas Longhorns in the upcoming Big 12 championship, as per PEOPLE Magazine.

Stillwater PD launches investigation after longhorn found dead outside Oklahoma State frat house

According to Stillwater Police Department spokesperson Terry Low, officers arrived at the fraternity house located near the OSU campus at 6.39 am on Friday after receiving reports of an animal carcass.

"Once officers arrived on the scene, they confirmed that the cow was deceased and requested assistance from our Criminal Investigations Division," stated Low.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the animal's death. If someone is found responsible, they could face felony animal cruelty charges which carry harsh penalties.

"In my 14 years, I have never come across a crime like this. This is very disturbing," noted the spokesperson about the horrific incident.

FarmHouse Fraternity issues a statement declaring none of their members were involved in the longhorn's death

Following the unsettling discovery, FarmHouse Fraternity took to Facebook, writing, "No FarmHouse member was involved in this incident and we do not condone cruelty or defacing of livestock in any manner." 

According to the post, the animal had been improperly “branded” with a disturbing phrase referencing the fraternity prior to being left for dead on their property. "It is disheartening to see the disregard for proper animal welfare and treatment displayed by this situation," read the statement.

As a chapter founded on agricultural principles, the fraternity said they were "just as sickened and surprised by this incident" as others in the OSU community. The organization strives to "build men in the most crucial aspects of their lives and develop bonds that carry on throughout life," as noted on its website.

Oklahoma State University and Internet condemn malicious killing of the longhorn

Oklahoma State University leadership promptly responded on Friday, making clear the institution does not tolerate such cruelty. "OSU is appalled at the disturbing display of animal cruelty that occurred overnight at an off-campus location near a fraternity house," read a note posted on X (formerly Twitter). 

In a follow-up, the university underscored, "Oklahoma State expects all students to adhere to university codes of conduct, and appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation."

The spiteful incident sparked outrage online from across social media, especially Reddit.

One wrote, "This is mind bogglingly stupid and ridiculously shameful. Not only does this look awful for our program/fanbase, this is just so gross. Poor animal," as another labeled it "extremely stupid."

"I'm all for talking smack but once someone starts killing animals, it's gone waaaaay too far," noted a person, while someone else expressed, "Ugh. This is terrible. I’m sorry poor longhorn. You didn’t deserve this."