Donation protected
Update: 8/2/25
First, I want to thank everyone who has supported us, shared our story, and stood with our family since the sudden and heartbreaking loss of 15 of our cattle on May 8th.
Over the past few months, we have fought tirelessly to get answers. We had environmental tests conducted that confirmed severe hydrocarbon contamination (Diesel Range Organics, Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) in the soil and air near the oil and gas well site where our cattle grazed.
Unfortunately, the critical tests that should have been performed on the animals were mishandled by the attending veterinarian. Due to delays, improper sample handling, and outright negligence, those tests came back inconclusive — not because contamination wasn’t present, but because the opportunity to properly diagnose was lost.
But this is not the end of the story.
We now have legal representation and are preparing to take direct action against both the oil company responsible for the contamination and the veterinarian whose negligence destroyed crucial evidence. This fight is no longer just about the loss of our cattle—it’s about holding accountable those who polluted our land and failed to protect our livelihood.
We are updating this campaign because we need continued support to:
• Cover legal fees and retain expert witnesses.
• Continue independent environmental documentation.
• Pressure the responsible parties into settlement or face us in court.
We may have lost these 15 cattle, but we refuse to lose our voice.
This is for every small rancher who’s been told to “just let it go.”
If you’ve already donated, shared, or supported us in any way, please know how much it means to us. Your belief in this fight keeps us going.
If you can, please share this updated story with your friends, family, or anyone who believes in standing up against environmental negligence. Every donation and share helps us move this battle forward.
Thank you,
Kerri Higgs & Family
We are a small ranch in Fremont County, CO. A few weeks ago, we lost 1 cow. Then we lost 3 in the morning of May 8th, 11 more at 4 pm, one right after the other, and 1 more at 7 pm. 16 head total. Half of our herd, 10 years in the making. 13 orphaned babies. 2 weren’t born yet. 1 beef steer, to feed our family. We are pouring feed (and money) into the ones still quarantined when they should be out to pasture. Impatiently, waiting for test results although we were told it is sulfate poisoning from our local vet. Now we just need to know where it came from, most likely the land that we have leased.
This is to help with the feed of the quarantined calves and the small amount that made it. I’m also being told that the tests are not cheap! If I don’t keep pushing, it will be swept under the rug! Already paid $600 in vet fees. Whats next?! Test are at state level, some went out of state to a bigger lab.
5/22 update -water tests came back clear. This is great for us that drink it, but now what’s next? Why did my cows die from sulfate poisoning?!
I’m also spreading the word! See link here!
6/3/25
Organizer
Kerri Higgs
Organizer
Coal Creek, CO