Now, after being shot seven times allegedly by an angry neighbor, Charley may only have a future as the lunch special at the local hamburger joint.

"The bull is going to survive, but his potential to be an athlete; well, he is not going to be able to do that," his owner Tony Mendes said. "He is not going to be able to buck."

Mendes, a resident of Jensen, a small community near Vernal, is a world champion bull rider who makes his living on the rodeo circuit. His 4-year-old bull was shot in September. Three of the bullets struck Charley's Nephew in the head.

Last week, Uintah County prosecutors charged Devin Murray, 24, with second-degree felony criminal mischief in connection with the shooting. A court appearance is set for Nov. 13.

Authorities say on Sept. 15, the bull got loose, but was not threatening anyone. But before Charley could be retrieved, the bull was shot.

Prosecutor JoAnn Stringham said the value of the bull and the amount of damage suffered warranted the felony charges.

"It fit the elements of the crime intentionally damaging the property of another with a value in excess of $5,000," Stringham said.

Charley's Nephew's worth is estimated at between $25,000 and $50,000. Mendes, a professionally rodeo bull rider, bought him two years ago for $4,700. He's toured the country, riding Charley in national competitions.

Now Charley can't compete.

"What makes me upset is that this bull had his whole life ahead of him, with several years left of being an athlete. It's like taking a Little Leaguer away from being able to play in the profession you never know if he is going to be the next John Elway or not."

Mendes hopes Charley can be salvaged for breeding, but said that when bulls become lazy or can't perform they are typically slaughtered.