High Cattle Prices Drive Increase In Cattle Rustling

Law enforcement officials say cattle rustling increased in Oklahoma during 2015, largely due to higher prices. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association reports 1,645 animals stolen by mid-December, up from 687 in all of 2014. Association law enforcement director Larry Gray stated that at one point in 2015 a 600-pound calf would sell for $2,000 at auction, although he says the same calf might now sell for about $600. Officials also say cattle provides a thief with exactly what the animal is worth as opposed to selling other stolen items for half their value. And Gray said some think it’s romantic to commit a crime associated with the 1800s. Rustling is a felony and those convicted face three-to-10 years in prison.