When heavy rains swamped parts of DeSoto County last week, the rising water left dozens of farm animals stranded on small hills and in waist‑deep water. Recognizing the urgent need, the Arcadia Cowboys—a volunteer group of local ranchers—mounted a rescue operation that has already saved 23 cattle, goats and donkeys.

Volunteers work through floodwaters

“Seeing all those cattle standing on that little hill with their heads poked out of the water, nearly drowning, it’s gut‑wrenching,” said Brady Adams, a member of the Arcadia Cowboys. The team spent hours cutting through fences and riding through flooded pastureland, locating animals in distress.

Pete Brewer, another cowboy, explained the difficulty of the conditions: “It’s sad that some don’t make it, but with as much water here, I can understand, you know, it doesn’t come quick.” Despite the challenges, the group has been able to move rescued animals to dry ground at a local farm until owners can retrieve them.

Neighbors pitch in

Local residents have also joined the effort. Jason Reid, a nearby homeowner, described how he and others used a boat at night to reach pastures and bring animals to safety: “We were out and about, actually, in the nighttime on a boat, actually going through the pastures and try to actually get the animals out.”

Tragic losses and ongoing search

Unfortunately, the flood has claimed the lives of at least eight cows, according to the cowboys. “Seeing those animals dead like that, you know, especially horses and cows, just no good,” Adams said.

The search continues. The Arcadia Cowboys are still looking for a missing donkey and a goat as floodwaters begin to recede. Water levels, which reached nearly waist‑deep last week, have started to drop, giving rescuers more access to affected fields.

Community response

The rescue effort highlights the strong sense of neighborly duty that characterizes many rural Florida communities. By working together—cowboys on horseback, residents in boats, and local volunteers—the people of DeSoto County are protecting the livelihoods of farmers and preserving the wellbeing of their animals.

Officials have not yet announced any formal assistance, but the collaborative response underscores the importance of local action when natural disasters strike. As the waters continue to recede, the Arcadia Cowboys plan to keep monitoring the area for any remaining animals in need of help.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.