Reward Offered in Live Oak County Cattle Theft: Help Catch the Rustlers

Shared on the Ron Ralls Performance Horses Facebook page as well as the official JB Mauney Instagram account, a report of cattle theft has drawn some much-needed attention. “On or about February 2020, a Live Oak County Rancher, Phil Lyne reported the theft of 23 head of cattle, Longhorn-Brahman and Angus-Brahman crosses from a property on FM 889,” the post states. Cattle rustling is a crime that continues to ebb and flow with the economy. It’s not just an offense of olden days; it continues to transform and change with each new era. Not only that, but it costs the ranchers and farmers of Texas in the millions of dollars each year.

Photo: envato elements

The cattle that were taken from the Lyne herd have “a 4L and/or an Oval shaped brand resembling a crawling bug.”  They were all identified to have been branded on their left side. Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts or details pertaining to the crime is asked to get in touch with Special Ranger Bennett from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) by calling (361) 350-6510. A reward is being offered in the amount of $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the matter. In addition, $5,000 more is being offered for the safe return of the cattle.

Photo: envato elements

The TSCRA has been deputized to investigate cattle rustling in the Lone Star State as well as the state of Oklahoma. In the last decade, 30 special rangers, such as Bennett, have worked to recover more than $40 million in not only livestock but equipment as well. Modern-day rustlers aren’t into petty theft by any stretch of the imagination. Stealing a few head of cattle or even horses can quickly amount to a few thousand dollars. A report from the Smithsonian stated that it’s a crime that cycles in the industry with economic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Even small thefts can be devastating to small ranchers. The growth of such crimes continues to be impacted by such things as “cycles in increased drug use, as well as the economy” affecting the movements of small-time rustlers.

Those who may have any information on the theft of cattle from Phil Lyne in Live Oak County are advised to contact the TSCRA at the number provided above.