RELIVING THE OLD WEST?

 

 

 

TO BE ABLE TO LOOK BACK UPON ONE'S

PAST LIFE WITH SATISFACTION

IS TO LIVE TWICE.

 Lord Acton

 

 

BUT WHAT IS IT TO LOOK BACK IN SHAME?

 

 

     An old crime from the old west is making a comeback.  But then, it never really left.  Cattle Rustling!  As times get harder and the value of livestock goes up, there is always the lazy who will steal from others and try to live a life without pride.

     Maybe the city life can be done in an anonymous fashion but here a persons character and honesty still count.  Reputation takes a lifetime to build and a moment to destroy.  It is amazing how even those who know better get caught up in corrupt acts.

     Over the years a judge in Oklahoma, Sheriff in Kansas, contract manager, and many others.  It seems tempting to take something that can be quick cash and since it is out on pasture it may be sold and in hamburger before the owner knows it is gone.

     In 2013 by November there were 835 head of cattle stolen in Oklahoma.  This is a 16% increase over 2012.  In Pratt County 12 head of 13-1500 pound cattle were stolen in Feb. 2014.  29 head of heifers were stolen southwest of Sharon.  They were 500 - 550 pounders and mostly black.

     A man who had problems borrowed a trailer from an auctioneer and it showed up across the state with a load of stolen calves.  Of course the trailer was traced back to the well meaning auctioneer.  Luckily he was proved innocent.

     There has been a rash of building break ins and stolen trailers also.

      Kansas is still the highest state for cattle theft in the nation.  We have a unique amount of access and remoteness.  It is not an unusual sight to have a pick up pulling a trailer all hours of the day and night.  So often it is done right under our noses.

     Kansas has brand laws but they are not mandatory.  The Kansas Department of agriculture has two investigators that assist other agencies in investigating thefts but it is not enough.

     Oklahoma passed a bill in 2001 authorising Ag Dept. Agents to investigate livestock thefts, arson in forests, and timber theft.  There are nine state investigators.

     There is another deterrent in Texas and Oklahoma.  The Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association.  The association employs 29 Special Rangers that work both states as well as members in other states.  These are deputized special Texas Rangers with jurisdiction in both Texas and Oklahoma.  They maintain ties with law enforcement agencies throughout North America.

     Until the Kansas gets serious about cattle and other Ag theft this will continue to be a problem.  Brand laws need to be enforced and mandatory and a group of investigators like Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri have to concentrate on Ag crime.

     There is a bright spot that is trying to make a difference and it was initiated and run by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.  C.A.L.I.N. is a Facebook page that information and pictures are posted on for Construction, AG, and Livestock Information Network.  you can contact at Facebook CALIN, 316-660-0750, or calin@sedgwick.gov This is a statewide program.

     Our farmers and ranchers work too hard for a thief to take away his living.