WEYBURN – Fillmore RCMP have charged a man with cattle theft after getting a report on Sept. 4 of missing cattle on an acreage near Sedley.
Investigation was conducted by Fillmore RCMP, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Livestock Investigator and Livestock Services of Saskatchewan. It was determined six cattle were stolen, and they were later safely recovered at a nearby rural property.
As a result of further investigation, an adult male was arrested.
Scott Cunningham, 62, from the R.M. of Francis, is charged with fraudulently take/hold/keep/purchase/sell cattle found astray, and theft of cattle valued at over $5,000.
“With the current average value of cattle of over $3,000, any loss is significant,” says Garth Woods, operations manager at Livestock Services of Saskatchewan. “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 searching for his livestock, which led to a Livestock Services report from a neighbour. Livestock Services, the RCMP and Crown Prosecutor were quick to collaborate which led to these charges. The Animal Production Act and the Criminal Code of Canada both provided the means for regulatory and enforcement personnel to effectively proceed on this file.
“Saskatchewan RCMP recognizes that cattle theft is a problem," said Livestock Investigator Cpl. Owen Third. "That’s why we have a livestock investigator, who provides specialized assistance to detachments on livestock-related investigations or issues and works closely with Livestock Services of Saskatchewan. This investigation is an example of our ongoing partnership and continued work to thoroughly investigate instances of livestock theft in our jurisdiction.”
Cunningham is scheduled to appear in Weyburn Provincial Court on Nov. 20.
