Stock theft increases in the Highveld
Auctions and abattoirs are regularly visited, however many times it is hard to trace the original owner of the livestock.
The farming community face daily battles of stock theft which results in hundreds of thousands of rands loss annually, Ridge Times reports.
During August, 23 cases of stock theft had been opened.
The farming community of Kriel had seen a huge increase of which the following were recovered:
- Three cows were recovered but their hooves were cut off.
- Four cows were found slaughtered.
- Two sheep were stolen and recovered. Two arrests have been made.
- Three cows stolen.
In the area of Morgenzon:
- Four sheep stolen.
- Three horses stolen of which one has been recovered.
- Three sheep.
- 11 Bucks.
Leandra had seen a huge stock theft of sheep in which one farmer lost four sheep and another had seen 14 sheep stolen.
Between two other farmers, nine cows had been stolen.
Farmers had seen a huge loss of 16 cows between five farmers. An arrest of one person was made when he was found in possession of a stolen lamb.
In eMbalenhle one goat, two sheep and a pig were reported stolen but they were later found slaughtered.
Charl Cilliers had one reported calf stolen.
The inhumane manner in which cattle or live stock are found by farmers, police, CPF and those involved in recovering live stock, is unbelievable.
In most cases these livestock will be found with their hooves cut off.
In one instance, the cow was found nearly head deep, hooves cut off and unable to move in a stream.
Capt Louis Fourie of the Bethal Police stock theft unit, explained that this inhuman manner is used to prevent the meat from spoiling.
“When the demand for the meat is met, the animal is then slaughtered,” said Capt Fourie. We need the public to come forward if they know of illegal trade of meat in their area.”
Auctions and abattoirs are regularly visited, but it is hard to trace the original owner of the livestock in many instances.
Stolen livestock normally have their branding inhumanely removed by cutting off the ear if it has a tag or re-branded over old markings with new markings.
“It is important for owners to brand their livestock and cattle properly,” concluded Capt Fourie.
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