As cattle prices continue to rise cattle rustlers continue to strike in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. According to a recent report given by Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, since January 2012, 85 head of cattle have been stolen in Greene County. Surrounding counties have also taken a hit: Lawrence County, 43 head; Polk County, 50 head; Dade County, 100 head and Christian County, 15 head of cattle have been stolen since January.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Rural Crimes Unit estimates that stolen cattle are often sold within 100-150 miles of where the theft occurred.
Taking a proactive stance may be the only way to prevent theft on your farm.
Deterrents to Theft
1. Identification. Possibly the most effective thing a producer can do to minimize the risk of their livestock being targeted is to use visible identification systems. Branding has been shown to be the most effective form of ID when it comes to recovering stolen livestock. When branding isn’t an option consider using ear tags or tattooing. The main concern with ear tags is they are easily removed before stolen livestock are sold. One option to consider is tamper evident ear tags, which are harder to remove. Tattooing is great for record keeping but unfortunately tattoos aren’t easily visible resulting in tattooed cattle blending in when sold. Another way to identify your cattle is to take photographs and record physical markings. Livestock identification is essential for proof of ownership and the return of stolen livestock.
2. Be Visible. Being visible on your farm will deter cattle thieves. Mixing up your routine will throw thieves off track if they are watching your farm. Consider checking cattle and feeding at different times of the day.
3. Eliminating Easy Targets. Keep holding-pens, corrals and feeding areas away from roadways. The same goes for equipment. Park your trailers and equipment out of visibility from the road and don’t leave the keys in the ignition. Maintaining good fences and keeping gates locked and limiting who has access to the keys will, at the very least, slow a thief down.
4. Establish a Rural Neighborhood Watch. Establishing a good relationship with your neighbors and creating a neighborhood watch program may aid in catching rustlers. Get together with neighboring farmers and establish a system for keeping a close watch on each other’s farms during the day and even at night. Communicate with your neighbors to see if they have seen any suspicious behavior.
5. Stranger Danger. Be aware of strangers and unfamiliar vehicles. Write down their license plate numbers and alert your neighbors. The more concrete details you can obtain the better. If at all possible get a description of the person and their vehicle. Thieves “shop” during the day so watch for spotters.
6. Surveillance Systems. Consider installing driveway sensors, alarms for electric fences, video cameras and posting trespassing signs.
Recently a group in Greene County has launched a surveillance camera system for county residence thanks to efforts made by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, Mac’s Vet Supply, Springfield Livestock Market and Bass Pro Shops. County residence can make a deposit of $200 to checkout these surveillance cameras and surveillance camera system signs to use on their farms. Cameras and signs are available at Mac’s Vet Supply located at the Springfield Livestock Market. For more information contact Mac’s Vet Supply at 417-863-8446. According to Sheriff Arnott this is the first program of it’s kind. Arnott encourages producers living outside of Greene County to contact their local Sheriff’s office and businesses to encourage the startup of a similar program.
What to do in the Event of a Theft
The first thing you should do in the event of a theft is to call your local law enforcement on the “non-emergency” telephone line and report the missing cattle. Law enforcement is then going to ask you a lot of questions once they begin the investigation. The more information you can provide the better. Know the exact head count of your herd and be able to tell law enforcement how many head were stolen. Gather any records you may have kept on the stolen livestock.
The second call you should make is to local livestock auctions giving them as much information about the stolen livestock as possible according to Jeff Hazaleus, regional executive officer for the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA). “Markets don’t want to sell stolen livestock, they want to help stop this problem,” said Hazaleus.
Another call you should make is to the LMA. They will send the information on stolen livestock to every market in the association across the nation. Pictures of your brand can be emailed to the LMA, which will then be sent to every market. To contact the LMA call 1-800-821-2048.
Branding Laws in Missouri
Although Missouri doesn’t require farms to brand livestock there is a brand law in Missouri outlining brand regulations. Eldon Cole, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist explained the key parts of the brand law:
• No evidence of ownership by brand on cattle, sheep, horses or mules shall be permitted in any court in this state unless the brand is recorded.
• The recording must be done through the Missouri Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division. The recording fee is $35 and is good for five years. A $20 maintenance fee is due each five years.
• The brand may be hot iron or freeze brand. The brand must contain at least two characters and be 3 inches or larger in diameter.
• Brands can be placed in six locations on the animal: shoulder, rib or hip on each side.
• Within-herd identification brands must be at least 10 inches from the ownership brand.
• A bill of sale noting brands should be obtained when a branded animal is purchased.
The brand application can be obtained through the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
While cattle prices continue to stay attractive to spectators, cattle producers are going to continue to be threated by thieves. Cattle produces must make conscious decisions for deterring thefts on their property.
