In San Benito County, at least for now, all the cows still seem
to come home.
In San Benito County, at least for now, all the cows still seem to come home.
However, in nearby Merced County, cow thieves have struck at least 70 times this year, stealing more than 350 cows over the last two years, valued at roughly $220,000, according to authorities.
Law enforcement said the rise in popularity of low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets has fueled an upsurge in cattle stealing across California farms and ranches.
San Benito County Cattlemen’s Association President Jeannie Coefield said no one in this area has made any complaints, but ranchers should be aware that stealing is going on.
“I’ve heard stories about theft going on in that area and it’s pretty scary,” she said. “We’re lucky here that people are very loyal to their neighbors.”
Authorities have explained the recent rise in theft to the popularity of diets like Atkins and the Zone, which promote protein consumption and raise the cost of beef.
The San Joaquin Valley hasn’t been as lucky as San Benito County.
“The incentive is there because of the beef prices,” said Frank Swiggart, a sheriff’s detective in Merced County. “And it’s not just a few random guys out there doing this. We’re finding organized rustling rings.”
Detectives say the thieves strike at night, mostly stealing calves who have not yet been branded with identification tags.
Coefield, who works at the 101 Livestock Market, said a mother cow and a calf were brought in by authorities Monday, but how they were confiscated is unclear.
“I’m not sure how they were found,” she said. “I wasn’t aware cows were being stolen then, so it didn’t occur to me to ask.”
Investigators are using modern crime-fighting tools to stop the rustling, ranging from video surveillance to DNA testing. One rancher was jailed this year after genetic samples from cattle proved he had stolen a neighbor’s cow and used it to breed with one of his bulls.
Coefield said the best thing people can do is have trust in their neighbors and make sure to keep track of their animals.
“Brand them, put tags on their ears and hope your neighbors are honest,” she said.
Beef industry observers have noted a recent increase in cattle theft nationwide most likely associated with rising beef prices. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 450-pound steer calves are selling for more than $500.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
