Livestock thieves have discovered a new way to bilk producers out of their cattle.
Alberta’s newest RCMP livestock investigator said as more farmers enter lease agreements with people they don’t know, more of them are being cheated in paper transactions.
Cpl. Ed Turco, an 18-year veteran in rural communities who became livestock investigator Aug. 4, said deals sealed with a handshake leave some people open to theft.
The cattle owner may believe he leased 50 head to somebody, but finds out that some are missing at sale time.
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“Anybody turning over $50,000 to $100,000 worth of property in any other business would be very particular,” Turco said. “People have to know who they are in business with.”
Disputes over missing cattle and ownership are often discovered during the fall calf run.
It comes down to buyer beware, and producers need a complete understanding of their transactions. They also need to keep details about ownership and sales in writing to ensure they don’t lose cattle.
Another scam involves purebred cattle sales. The animals are sold to new owners with the promise that registration papers, which guarantee the animals’ bloodlines, will be passed along later. However, after money changes hands the new owners never receive transfer or registration papers.
People have also complained about registration papers for horses being switched.
