Oregon Rancher Settles With Railroad Over Cattle Death

A Klamath Falls, Ore., rancher and the Union Pacific have settled a legal battle over 24 cattle of an ancient breed that were hit by a train and killed.

The Oregonian reports the terms were not disclosed. The railroad didn’t admit any wrongdoing.

When the suit was filed, 71-year-old rancher Bruce Topham valued the cattle at several hundred thousand dollars.

They are Salers cattle. Images of the breed have been discovered on cave walls in France dating back 7,000 years.

The cattle died in 2011 when they escaped a field. Topham said it was the railroad’s job to maintain fences along the track.

He told The Oregonian he got a settlement offer in September when a court date was set.

A railroad statement acknowledged the settlement.