SELBY, S.D. — Reports of cattle rustling continue across South Dakota, including a recent case of ‘almost.’
Selby rancher Vaughn Thorstenson notified authorities that sometime between Friday, August 19 and Saturday August 20, someone cut the top two wires of the fence surrounding one of his pastures. Last year, the same thing happened and the ranch lost between 12 and 14 calves.
There were 247 cattle in this particular group, which Thorstenson says range on half a section of land, a bit over 300 acres. All cattle were accounted for but Thorstenson says the evidence of attempted theft was there.
He told KELO, “You don’t really miss 10-12 calves right away, especially if the cows are out. You put your cows back in and fix the fence. They’ve been taking just a few head, so most people don’t miss them until they wean.” He says it can be up to and over a month before a rancher realizes they’re missing.
Although he ranches east of the Missouri River where branding isn’t required, Thorstenson does brand. He also tattoos, uses EID and regular tags. A brand inspector east of the Missouri still has authority to check ownership, but it isn’t a requirement for sale like it is in the west river region.
Brand inspector for the South Dakota State Brand Board, Kyle Rossow is one of two inspectors east of the river. He says when there’s no brand, it’s difficult to track stolen cattle. He would like to see the brand inspection area stretch across the entire state. Without it, selling a stolen cow — even a branded one — isn’t really so hard.
He told KELO, “[If] you get it on a truck and get it east further where there’s no brand laws, you get it to the sale barn, check in and — well we don’t look at it unless we have probable cause,” Rossow said. He added, “All a thief needs to do in South Dakota is get to a sale barn east of the river, and chances are there will be no brand inspector. The biggest risk at that point may be a rancher recognizing the brand, but the farther you go, the less likely that may be.”
The South Dakota Brand Board is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of stolen cattle. Thorstenson has also added $5,000 to the reward money.
If you believe livestock have been stolen, contact the local Sheriff.
