Westside Seattle reported the theft of the cow from the top of what is being made into the Best of Hand Barrelhouse at the corner of 35th and SW Webster on Friday, June 15. We were told by students we encountered that it was one of several "senior pranks" that day. But in the process the landmark artifact was damaged and the owners are understandably unhappy about it. They sent us this letter to seek those responsible and are asking them to come forward and pay for the damages done.

To the Editor

As many of you probably know, last Friday morning the iconic cow that has long graced the top of the building at the corner of Webster and 35th was stolen as a senior prank and planted in the ground at Chief Sealth High School (See this story: https://www.westsideseattle.com/robinson-papers/2018/06/15/last-day-school-west-seattle-and-sealth-high-brings-pranks-and-swim).

While we appreciate a good senior prank as well as the next person, I’m reaching out to the community here because in the process of stealing the cow, the kids broke one of the legs.  Those who were involved with the prank also scaled our brand new electrical install in order to get on the roof (we now need to inspect this for any damage they may have caused).  As many in this community know, we have spent over a year and tens of thousands of dollars bringing the iconic building up to code so that it can house a new endeavor.  The actions of these individuals is highly disappointing, as it shows a complete disrespect for personal property, private property, and the West Seattle community at large.  To add insult to injury, we had just finished cleaning and re-painting the cow the Monday before she was stolen.  We will now have to take hours out of our busy schedules to do so again.

We know people have information about who is responsible for the prank, and we are asking them to step forward so we can hold the pranksters to account for their actions.  If nobody comes forward, we will be getting the police involved.  As for what the consequences should be for damaging our property and our landlord’s property (Clearview Eye & Laser), we have discussed compensation for the broken leg (and anything else that may have been damaged) and community service.  We understand that these students will be graduating on Thursday, and would like to have a resolution before then.  If college-bound, I don’t think dodging this responsibility will look good to the schools these individuals have applied to/been accepted to, as in this day and age, many colleges will revoke acceptance based on poor 4th quarter performance and extenuating circumstances.

We thank you for your time and help.

Sincerely,

Best of Hands Barrelhouse

info@bestofhandsbarrelhouse.com