The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association hailed the signing of bill that stiffens penalties for cattle theft.
The bill, also known as the Omnibus Crimes Bill, raises the penalty for cattle theft from a class C to a class B felony, which requires a sentence of five to 15 years in prison. It will also require the convicted persons to serve a minimum of 80 percent of their sentence.
Under the bill, veterinarians must open any record of the livestock to be inspected by the Missouri Department of Agriculture to determine the origin and destination of that animal.
Steve Willard, a Texas County resident and president of Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, applauded Gov. Jay Nixon for signing the bill.
“This is a big step for cattle producers around the state,” he said. “It is great to see an issue so important to our members be just as important to our governor and legislators. This is a prime example of MCA membership impacting MCA policy.”
Cattle theft has become a large problem in Missouri. Since 2004, more than 3,300 head of cattle have been stolen and more than $1.2 million in property, panels, four wheelers, trucks, trailers and cattle have been swiped.