Cattlemen in the Ozarks should continue to play an active role in preventing cattle theft. Officer Jason Clark of the Missouri Highway Patrol Rural Crimes Task force said producers should always be concerned about a possible theft of cattle or equipment. Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association added, “Cattle are worth so much more right now.” Mr. Kelsey believes cattle theft is often tied to drugs, “Cattle tend to be friendly and are an easy target.”
Cattle producer’s best defense against cattle theft is using proactive methods of prevention.
Identification
Mr. Kelsey said, “Identification by branding, ear tags and tattoos are the most important way for producers to protect their cattle.” Laramie Adams with the Texas and Southwest Oklahoma Cattle Raisers Association serving the states of Texas and Oklahoma added, “Branded cattle are more likely to be found.” Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma do not required cattle be branded by law however; each state has a brand law. Missouri’s branding records are kept through the Missouri Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division. Brands on record take precedence over unrecorded brands where ownership is questioned. Ear tags are one method for identification but producers should consider using harder to remove tamper evident ear tags. Microchipping and tattooing are not highly visible especially when cattle are in large groups. It’s also a good idea for producers to photograph cattle and record any identifying marks.
Visibility
Producers should check cattle every day but varying the time of day and vary feeding times. Being visible and active on your farm during different times of the day will keep thieves confused. Be sure to check perimeter fences and count cattle often. Knowing if cattle are missing as soon as possible increases their chance of recovery.
Don’t Make it Easy
Keep gates locked and limit who has access to keys. Keep cattle in well-lit areas away from roadways when gathered together. Cattle are often stolen at night. Officer Clark suggests leaving equipment incomplete, “Don’t park equipment or trailers near a roadway and don’t leave the keys in the ignition.” Keep saddle compartments on trailers and tack rooms locked. Mark all saddles, tack and equipment with registered brand or driver’s license number.
Watch Out for
Your Neighbors
Get to know your neighbors and establish a neighborhood watch program. Thieves shop during the day. Watch for strange vehicles or tracks. Be sure to take down license plate numbers. Alert your neighbors to help track unusual activity. Take down tag numbers of suspicious vehicles, report suspicious activities to law enforcement. Be sure to get as much information as possible.
Surveillance Systems
Mike Deering of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association suggests installing trail cameras. Producers should consider installing video cameras, driveway sensors and alarms on electric fences. Check your county for a surveillance camera system for county residents.
What should producers do in the case of theft? Producers should contact their local law enforcement agency non-emergency number as soon as they notice something missing then contact your local auction and the Livestock Marketing Association. The Livestock Marketing Association will send information on stolen livestock to every market in the association across the United States. The association can be contacted at 1-800-821-2048. Many cattlemen’s associations offer rewards on member’s stolen animals. Be sure to add details on what was stolen, when it was stolen, when you last saw the stolen items and if there was any physical evidence. Be sure to include identifying marks including brand information, marks, scars, eartags, notches, serial numbers and/or photos. “Most sale barn operators know the producers in their area and often recognize cattle. If they recognize the cattle and don’t know the person selling the cattle, they usually know something is wrong,” Dr. Tom Troxel Associate Department Head and Professor of Animal Sciences at the University of Arkansas said. “They will call the authorities to have them checked out.”
