High Cattle Prices Drive Increase In Cattle Rustling
KSCB News - January 4, 2016 11:46 am
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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.