Oklahoma Ranchers Report Spike in Stolen Livestock

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma ranchers said a spike in the number of reported livestock theft is a sure sign of the times.

"Unfortunately there are some people out in this world that are just very lazy and want an easy way out, and the easy way out is to take someone else's property," said Scott Dewald, Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Vice President.

Jack Carson, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Spokesperson, said cattle are easy to steal and sell and the market value is especially enticing to thieves.

"If they steal cattle and they take it to a livestock auction, the cattle will be worth just as much as the cattle that are legally owned," Carson said.

While the ranching community is holding on tight, they said the crime is nothing new.

"We expect this in this type of economy and this is just something that's been going on since humans raised livestock, there's been stock theft. It's a part of life. It's something we have to deal with," said Carson said.

Dewald said the economic meltdown is something they're not used to dealing with but he said he has a plan that he hopes will help get things back on track.

"If we want to get back on track it's time for us to be more like the cowboy, the handshake is worth more than the contract. Be the kinda person when you're going to do something. You do it and you follow through." Dewald said.

Another reason for the spike in reported thefts is because the state agriculture department's investigative unit is becoming well known around the community. In the last year, they have recovered about 16 percent of stolen livestock.

The beef business contributes up to $4 billion a year to Oklahoma's economy.