Cattle rustling is a serious crime

Criminals in America’s farm country are turning to an old crime, cattle rustling.

But for Idaho ranchers, cattle theft isn’t a tall tale. Cattle rancher Scott Rigby said a single calf can be sold for $1,000.

When a cow goes missing or disappears, a state brand inspector is called in. They are responsible for records management, inspections, and branding.

In past cases, suspected crooks have been charged with grand theft.

“If the cattle were taken from us, then that’s taking away from our profit and our ability to make our payments,” said Rigby.

Idaho requires brand inspections when ownership of the animals changes, the cattle leave the state or they go to slaughter, according to Idaho’s Brand Inspector website.

Still, missing livestock could be blamed on a number of factors, not just theft. Ranchers take into account possible dangers such as predictors and illness.

“Cows will either turn back up or they will find evidence they died,” said Rigby.