It might not be the wild west anymore but cattle rustling remains a problem.
So the Western Stock Growers Association is raising the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of cattle thieves.
Stock growers president Phil Rowland said they have seen an increase in cattle thefts, particularly in the south of the province. So they group has increased the reward from $1,000 to up to $50,000.
“The increase in cattle prices has led to the increase in skullduggery,” said Rowland. “We have had a member lose over 40 head since last fall and his neighbours have seen additional losses as well. The response from the RCMP has been tremendous but we felt (the reward) gives them the extra tools to get clues they need to find these people.”
RCMP livestock investigator Cpl. David Heaslip said the theft of livestock is hard to pin down as every year farmers and ranchers sees losses. He added it is hard to determine whether those losses come from predators or the cattle getting loose, or from theft.
Producers are being urged to take precautions like keeping an accurate count on their animals.
“We encourage people to brand their cattle and use CCIA (Canadian Cattle Identification Agency) ear tags,” said Heaslip.
“Anytime you have someone offering a reward on information leading to an arrest, it is a step in the right direction as we always follow up on tips and it can provide valuable clues.”
Heaslip said thefts in Central Alberta haven’t been as problematic as in the southern parts of the province. He added the numbers he has seen from Central Alberta show cattle theft is unchanged or gone down over the last few years.
Heaslip said stolen cattle are typically shipped out of province for sale.
“We’ve made a few arrests but this is an ongoing thing,” said Heaslip. “We have excellent brand inspectors, over 100, who are at auction marts across the province. We also give information to the United States, B.C. and Saskatchewan.”
He says producers must take every precaution.
“Just like a television or a car, if you have the model and serial number recorded, it is easier to make a positive identification, just is the same with cattle,” said Heaslip. “Also keep a look out for strange vehicles in the area, record the plate number, take details and make a quick phone call or two to the RCMP or Livestock Identification Services.”
The livestock association is working closely with RCMP and Crime Stoppers.
“We are hoping somebody will give the motherload of information or the reward will help deter these people from doing this,” said Rowland.
cpapke@www.reddeeradvocate.com