A US$10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the recovery of stolen cattle or an arrest after two thefts near Alva, Oklahoma, in which 84 head were reported missing. The cattle owners offered US$5,000, and a local stockyard matched it.
In the first case, 53 steers weighing about 700 pounds were stolen in March. They carry green ear tags beginning with the letters “MD” and a Rocking 007 brand on the left hip. In the second, 31 calves were taken directly off their mothers about 2 miles north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 64 and State Highway 14. Those calves have white ear tags bearing the owner's name in the right ear and a TF brand on the left hip.
Investigators have not established whether the two thefts are connected, but other, smaller thefts have occurred within an estimated 30- to 45-mile radius over the last year. A representative of the stockyard said one producer had to cover the cost of stolen cattle that had been taken in on the gain, adding to the loss. “These cattle are worth a lot of money, and there's just no room for it,” he said. Anyone with information should contact the special ranger handling the case; contact details are in the source article below.
Why it matters for producers
In this case, brands and ear tags are how the missing cattle are being identified. Knowing where your animals are, and when each was last seen, helps you notice a loss sooner and give investigators a clearer timeline when you report it.
