The Petersens were looking forward to having their first calf to grow their small herd of cows.

Instead, when Holly Petersen arrived at 8 a.m. to feed them, she found two dead — including the pregnant cow — from shots to the head.

“We’re completely devastated,” she said in a recent interview, adding how excited her kids were to have a calf. “It’s a huge loss to our family.”

The cows were pastured off 400th St. and 180th Avenue in the Newaukum area; the shooting happened between 9 p.m. and when Petersen arrived, though she noted the cows were already bloated when she saw them, indicating they were shot during the night.

The Petersens posted in the Enumclaw Community Facebook community group page about the shooting to raise awareness about the issue and hopefully encourage someone to come forward with information about the shooting.

“These animals are not just livestock; they represent hard work, dedication, and the very foundation of our agricultural community,” part of the post reads. “Their loss is not only financial but deeply personal. To have them taken from us in such a brutal and inhumane manner is beyond heartbreaking—it is an act of cruelty and injustice that cannot be ignored.”

Just four hours after the post was made, it garnered 73 comments and more than 350 reactions.

“My hearts go out to you and your family. There are no words to make this acceptable. Sending you the energy of peace and forgiveness in a time of rage, disgust, fury, sadness and disappointment. May we all be well,” one comment reads.

The family has filed a report with the King County Sheriff’s Office; the department said the case is being investigated as “possible animal cruelty” in an email, and that there are no suspects at this time.

A GoFundMe is now live at gofundme.com/f/help-the-petersens-rebuild-their-livelihood to raise money both for the family and to provide a reward to anyone who has information about the shooting. The goal is $20,000; as of Feb. 24, more than $2,000 was donated.