Man killed by pet bull
In general pets like bulls, chimps, or tarantulas are more dangerous than hamsters, parakeets or cats. Since the same bull had attacked Mr Weinhold and broken his ribs last year, Mr Weinhold knew the animal was dangerous but he had great affection for the one-ton bulll and no doubt great respect for it’s strength.
Condolences to the Mr Weinhold’s friends and family during this very difficult time.
Shame on every news outlet that reports this story as MAN KILLED BY OWN BULL, that is sloppy editing.
Reading Eagle: Tim Leedy The 1-ton bull that officials believe killed his owner at the South Heidelberg Township farm Sunday where the attack occurred. Image from The Reading Eagle.
Mr Ricky Weinhold. Image from lancasteronline.com
Bull attacks, kills owner at South Heidelberg Township farm
By Michelle Park | Reading Eagle | 3/1/2010
A Reinholds man found dead Sunday at a South Heidelberg Township farm was killed by a 1-ton bull he kept as a pet, officials in the Berks County coroner’s office said.
Ricky D. Weinhold, 52, died of multiple injuries Saturday – a day before his 53rd birthday – at the farm at 370 Mill Road near the Lancaster County line, officials said.
The 1-ton bull that officials believe killed his owner at the South Heidelberg Township farm Sunday where the attack occurred.
The coroner’s office ruled the death an accident.
All of Weinhold’s injuries apparently were inflicted by the hooves and head of a bull, Chief Deputy Coroner Charles E. Sweitzer Jr. said.
Sweitzer said it was the first bull-related death he could recall in his 28 years working in the coroner’s office.
Dale A. Zimmerman, whose father, David, owns the property, said he discovered Weinhold’s body in an outdoor pen late Sunday morning after he returned from a trip.
Sweitzer said tests indicated Weinhold died late Saturday afternoon.
Weinhold kept about 10 head of cattle at the 55-acre farm under a lease with David Zimmerman.
The Zimmermans and coroner’s officials believe the biggest of the animals killed Weinhold. The same bull cracked Weinhold’s ribs last year, prompting friends to urge Weinhold to get rid of the animal, Deputy Coroner Terri L. Straka said.
“He loved his pet,” she said.
Straka pronounced Weinhold dead Sunday at 2:04 p.m. No autopsy is planned.
Officials believe the attack began inside the barn’s stables, where a newborn calf was kept. They don’t know what Weinhold was doing when he was attacked.
The cattle were moved out of the stables and corralled behind the barn Sunday while officials investigated.
Dale Zimmerman said he and his father were waiting to hear what Weinhold’s family wanted them to do with the animals. Weinhold’s family could not be reached.
Township police continued to investigate.
Contact Michelle Park: 610-371-5022, mpark@readingeagle.com.