Idaho Police Share The Most Important Tip To Prevent Livestock Theft

Thieves come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and from different backgrounds. When we think of thieves, we imagine someone who might be stealing things like money from banks, valuable items from people's homes, etc.

But, some of us might overlook another valuable and important piece of property that criminals are going after.

Livestock Theft Is On The Rise

It should come as no surprise to anyone that livestock can be very valuable as is the case right now with cattle.

"Right now, the cattle market is so high, and that really stirs up the theft rate in the cattle industry," Brand Inspector Ron Scott said in a video shared by Idaho State Police.

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While stealing someone's cattle would seem like a difficult task to accomplish, it does happen, and Scott says there are things you can do to help prevent becoming a victim of livestock theft.

"The best thing is to get them branded as soon as you can," Scott said, "And keep them in an area where it's not quick access to somebody driving by that can just jump out and grab one."

"And patrolling your herd, you know, keeping an eye on your herd."

What Happens If Someone Steals Your Livestock In Idaho?

First, the person who committed the crime would face felony charges, which would come with chunky fines and potentially lengthy jail time in state prison, depending on the degree of the crime, according to the Idaho Legislature.

Ron Scott says that if you're even remotely suspicious of your livestock inventory, call authorities as soon as possible.

"I tell people if you even think that you're missing something, call your local brand department in your area, because then we can start being on the lookout for it.," Ron says

"A lot of times people don't realize they're missing something until two or three days later, then we've let that much time go by and they get them out of the area into some other place and it just helps us if you if you can get us notified as soon as you can."

Brand your cows, folks! You can thank Ron later!