They're just sheep, and their deaths - apparently at the hands of some idiot - probably won't, and shouldn't, outrank investigations into crimes that endanger people.
But we wonder, if the sheep were indeed shot, what someone with so little regard for another's property - someone so seemingly entertained by the senseless deaths of livestock - is capable of.
Most of the carcasses were left where they fell, so the motivation was not to feed a family.
A southwest Carson rancher has lost four sheep, including his only ram and three pregnant ewes. He believes they fell prey to a shooter with a high-powered rifle and some hidden agenda. If it's a prank, it's a sick one by a person who should not be allowed to possess a firearm.
It probably won't be an easy case to crack because of the relatively remote location of the ranch, but it only takes one tip.
This is a good test for the city's new Secret Witness program, brought to town through the efforts of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce. If you call 322-4900 and leave a tip, you'll make $750 if there's a resulting conviction.
You can also help the Chamber in its efforts to make this a better community by supporting Secret Witness (including donating money for rewards) and its other initiatives, which include educating the community about gangs and setting up neighborhood watch programs.
We'll all be better off knowing this person won't be terrorizing any more livestock ... or people.
This editorial represents the view of the Nevada Appeal Editorial Board