Stolen Texas Angus Cattle Recovered, But Many Found Dead

After a call was made about an abandoned trailer on Highway 19 South, authorities discovered it was full of stolen Angus cattle, according to NBCDFW.

Sadly, half of the animals were already dead and the remaining cattle were in a state of distress.

Highway 19 is in east Texas and runs from Huntsville to Paris.

Not only is the case being treated as theft, authorities are also investigating the crime as animal cruelty. Both charges are potential felonies.

Read More: Texas Teens Slay Security Guard After Shoplifting At Dallas CVS

Each Angus cow is worth thousands of dollars, making the eight found dead a tremendous loss financially to the owner.  And it must be heartbreaking to know that their livestock was treated so cruelly.

Luckily the community was available to help the remaining live cows, and safely deal with the deceased ones:

Local cowboys Ronnie Goolsby and Klay Currie, along with Texas Department of Transportation personnel, helped officials transport the surviving cattle and dispose of the dead animals.

Who Investigates Cattle Theft In Texas?

Besides local law enforcement, cattle theft is investigated by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA). The TSCRA has a team of rangers that specialize in investigating these cases.

Read More: Brazen Smash And Grab Robbery In Dallas Results In $600K Loss

If you are ever in a situation in which you believe livestock or equipment has been stolen from you, the TSCRA encourages you to take the following steps:

1. Contact your local police or sheriff.
2. Then, contact your TSCRA special ranger.
3. Or contact TSCRA at 800-242-7820 or 817-332-7064.