UNITED STATES-CATTLE RUSTLING ON THE INCREASE IN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN.
In Missouri, officials have been dealing with several cases of cattle theft. The cases have farmers in Northwest Arkansas worried that steers will be stolen locally.
Back in the Wild West, cattle rustling happened on a daily basis. In 2009 thieves are taking up an old-time crime. Kevin Hampton is a rancher and cattle auction owner and his business has been hit hard by the current economy..
"Feed prices are up, and cattle prices were down last fall," Hampton said, and he knows a lot about those prices.
Ranchers like Hampton said the economy is making their livestock the target of thieves.
"People are desperate. They’ll do about anything to get quick money," Hampton said.
In southwest Missouri, officials have had several reports of cattle rustling. It’s also happening in Louisiana and Texas. Officials said rustlers are stealing cattle and selling them at auction.
"You take a trailer full, and that would add up to some quick cash," Hampton said.
Ranchers protect their property by branding or tagging each animal, and they’ve started locking gates and keeping their herds in lots that are not along busy roads. Just one hot heifer could bring in $500 for a thief, and that’s profit that farmers want to keep at the ranch.
Officials at sale barns are keeping a close eye on sellers they’ve never seen before.
"We take down their name and address and do some checking if they’re not regulars," Hampton said.
The Arkansas Cattlemans Association offers rewards for the arrest and conviction of cattle thieves. Most cattle thefts amount to a felony conviction due to the value of cattle stolen.