In the Texas panhandle, I was shocked to see that cattle theft is not an uncommon occurrence. In fact, a quick search of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association website has a area dedicated to theft. It appears that most the theft is of calves or just a few heads of cattle. A recent theft in Perryton is making news and has a large reward attached.

On February 18th, rancher Bob Adcock reported the 262 steers and heifers missing from the Bill Merydith Ranch. The ranch is located on County Road U in Perryton. He said most of the cattle were black, but some were red and other mixed colors. They weighed between 500 and 550 pounds each. All are branded with a Lazy 11 on their left shoulder.

“Any theft, but especially one of this magnitude, can just be devastating to a rancher,” Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Ben Eggleston said. “If you know something about this crime, please come forward so we can help him recover those animals.”

Adcock has added $10,000 of his own money to the $1,000 reward offered by Operation Cow Thief. The reward will be paid to an individual who provides information leading to the arrest or indictment of the person or persons responsible for the crime. Eggleston said all information is kept confidential, and tips may be provided anonymously by calling 888-830-2333.

 

 

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