Bulls on parade: Bovine runs amuck in South Waco

The rogue bull that escaped from Jager Veterinary Clinic on Tuesday afternoon was cornered and roped on a lot off Third and LaSalle streets.
The rogue bull that escaped from Jager Veterinary Clinic on Tuesday afternoon was cornered and roped on a lot off Third and LaSalle streets.
The rogue bull that escaped from Jager Veterinary Clinic on Tuesday afternoon was cornered and roped on a lot off Third and LaSalle streets.

By Jordan Corona
Staff Writer

Waco police took no bull Tuesday afternoon when a begrudged bovine ran through the neighborhood behind LaSalle Avenue in South Waco around 1:30 p.m.

Police attended to the loosed livestock and tried to keep it away from the traffic along the major street until they were able to corner it in a grassy lot off Third and LaSalle Streets.

Sgt. Patrick Swanton, public information officer for the Waco Police Department, said the bull escaped from Jager Veterinary Clinic on the traffic circle at Valley Mills Drive.

Dr. Mitchell Jager has been treating animals in the community for 45 years. The bull jumped a 7-foot fence at the clinic where he was being vaccinated.

“We average 25 to 30 head of cattle a week,” he said. “It was just like an industrial accident. This sort of thing happens on the ranch all the time.”

Waco police used social media to urge people to use caution if driving around 12th and LaSalle streets, where sightings of the bull were reported. Almost an hour later, the animal was subdued.

“The bull broke out and then didn’t want to be messed with,” Swanton said. “Officers were able to keep him away from the street and we have cowboy folks who work with us for these situations.”

Brian Leathers and an associate from the Hillsboro area were called to the scene. Leathers brought his trailer, a horse and some rope to help keep the situation under control.

“We just got the call to see about a bull,” Leathers said. “He wanted to put up a fight, but we roped him.”