ATHABASCA – The RCMP Livestock Investigations Unit is looking for the public’s help to identify some local cattle wranglers involved in the theft of 85 cattle in late 2022.
According to a July 17 press release, police say that they’re looking for any information that could help bring the cattle thieves to justice after a Nov. 21, 2022, theft of 79 calves, four cows and two bulls from a ranch in Athabasca County.
The cattle are described as Black Angus and Simmental breeds and are branded on the right hip — the brand is an ‘M’ with ‘4’ over a crescent.
In a July 21 follow-up interview, RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said a cattle theft is relatively similar to other cases involving thefts, but with some difference.
“There are some additional tools at our disposal, including the CCIA tags that are placed on cattle to track them, as well as tattoos or brands,” said Savinkoff.
While Savinkoff couldn’t provide as much specific information as he would have liked as the investigator from the Livestock Investigations Unit was off that day, he did note the land where they were pinched from was somewhat secluded.
“Stealing that many head of cattle requires some knowledge of the area. In this case, the rented land that the cattle were on is 39 kilometres away from the residence, and there isn’t always someone watching over the cattle. This can lead to the theft not being noticed for several days,” said Savinkoff. “The victim suspects they were taken from a corral that was being used off of Highway 663.”
Anyone with information regarding the crime is asked to contact the RCMP Livestock Investigations Unit at 403-701-1462. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
