Saskatchewan man charged in cattle theft investigation

A Saskatchewan man is facing charges for an alleged cattle theft in the province's southeast.

A man from the Rural Municipality of Francis in Saskatchewan’s southeast has been arrested following an investigation into stolen cattle.

On Sept. 4, members of the Fillmore RCMP detachment received a report of missing cattle on an acreage near the town of Sedley.

An investigation began, with the RCMP joined by members of the Livestock Services of Saskatchewan.

Police determined that six cattle were stolen. They were later safely recovered at a nearby rural property.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP have charged a 62-year-old from the RM of Francis. He faces two charges, which include one count of fraudulently keeping cattle found astray and theft of cattle over $5,000.

“With the current average value of cattle of over $3,000, any loss is significant,” Garth Woods, operations manager at the Livestock Services of Saskatchewan, said in the news release.

“This recent file provides a good example of how knowledge, relationships and timely actions can serve the industry well.”

The producer who suffered the loss was proactive in their search, according to police. The rancher’s efforts led Livestock Services to a report from a trusted neighbour.

The accused is set to appear in Weyburn provincial court on Nov. 20.