Missouri Cattlemen's Association News

For Immediate Release: March 27, 2006
Contact: McKenzie Disselhorst, (573) 499-9162 or mckenzie@mocattle.com

Missouri Cattlemen Fight Cattle Rustling, Increase Reward Fund

(Columbia, Mo.) - Cattle rustling may sound like a topic found in an old western book, but it is no longer a crime of the past.  The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) is working to change that – and put cattle rustling back where it belongs – in history books. 

Missouri experienced a large increase in cattle theft incidents in 2005.  According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, cattle were reported stolen in 29 of Missouri’s counties in the last year.  These incidents cost Missouri cattle producers an estimated $500,000. 

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is taking action to put an end to cattle theft.  The MCA Board of Directors unanimously voted at their March meeting to permanently increase the MCA cattle theft reward fund from $2,000 to $5,000.  The reward fund now offers $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals committing felony cattle theft against Missouri Cattlemen’s Association members.  

“With the recent rash of cattle rustling in Missouri, the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association felt it imperative to respond in way that will have a long-lasting impact,” said MCA President and Bismarck, Mo., cattle producer, David Moore.  “Increasing the reward amount improves the chances an individual will report information about suspicious activity or persons they suspect of stealing cattle.” 

The reward fund is only one aspect of MCA’s commitment to stop cattle theft in Missouri.  At the annual meeting in December, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association members passed policy asking for state to establish a task force addressing the cattle theft issue in Missouri.  Since January, MCA has been involved in discussions with the Governor’s office, Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture.  As a result, a task force was formed and Governor Matt Blunt recently announced the implementation of the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC), which creates a state-wide database for Missourians to report cattle theft and suspicious activity.  The MIAC can be reached at 1-866-362-MIAC (6422).

In addition, two pieces of legislation have been introduced that would increase the penalty for cattle theft.  State troopers, sheriffs, and other law enforcement officials will complete training regarding cattle theft and rural crimes next month in Springfield, Mo.  Finally, the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Livestock Marketing Association are asking all livestock auction markets in the state to voluntarily keep photo identification on file of all farmers and ranchers selling cattle. 

“We are asking all Missouri Auction Markets to voluntarily obtain, and keep on file, photo identification of persons consigning cattle to a sale,” said Moore.  “This ensures we have a name and address in the event questions arise as to ownership of cattle, and provides law enforcement agencies with a solid place to begin an investigation.”

“With the concerted efforts of all parties involved, I believe we can put an end to the cattle rusting problem in Missouri,” continued Moore. “I look forward to seeing the guilty parties behind bars.”

MCA offers reward signs to all members, for posting on their farm or ranch.  New reward signs, reflecting the increased amount, will be available soon to MCA members. For more information, call the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association at (888) 499-9162 or visit www.mocattle.com. 

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