(Deming) – A concern of increasing livestock thefts in Luna and surrounding counties brought ranchers, law enforcement officers and state officials together Tuesday in an effort to pool resources and protect ranchers’ herds.
The meeting, organized by the Luna County Farm and Livestock Bureau, focused on increasing education and awareness so that all branches of law enforcement understand the challenges facing ranchers.
New Mexico Livestock Board Southwest Area Supervisor Troy Patterson confirmed there were currently four active livestock larceny cases in Luna County and one in Dona Ana County.
Luna County Farm and Livestock Bureau President Don Hartman emphasized that one stolen heifer could mean an $11,000 loss to a rancher when you factor in the potential calf losses over a number of years.
Law enforcement officers, including Border Patrol agents, agreed that a reference document of ranchers’ vehicles, trailers, brand information, and contact numbers would help patrolling officers determine if strange activity were occurring on ranch land.
Ranchers also requested random trailer stops which might help catch the thieves and prevent further losses.
The meeting, organized by the Luna County Farm and Livestock Bureau, focused on increasing education and awareness so that all branches of law enforcement understand the challenges facing ranchers.
New Mexico Livestock Board Southwest Area Supervisor Troy Patterson confirmed there were currently four active livestock larceny cases in Luna County and one in Dona Ana County.
Luna County Farm and Livestock Bureau President Don Hartman emphasized that one stolen heifer could mean an $11,000 loss to a rancher when you factor in the potential calf losses over a number of years.
Law enforcement officers, including Border Patrol agents, agreed that a reference document of ranchers’ vehicles, trailers, brand information, and contact numbers would help patrolling officers determine if strange activity were occurring on ranch land.
Ranchers also requested random trailer stops which might help catch the thieves and prevent further losses.
RSS Feed
