Bayer takes on Cattle Rustlers
Feels like we’re back in the wild west, there’s been a rise in cattle rustling, as a result more than a few ranchers and cowboys in Texas and Arizona are tackling the problem the old fashioned way, they’re "packin"! But new technology is providing a “kinder,” “gentler” way to catch thieves. I’m Susan Allen back with the story. Thanks to Bayer Animal Health ranchers have a new weapon against cattle rustling. The challenging economy coupled with the ability to easily transport cattle is being blamed for the rise in cattle thefts. Traditionally, state cattle associations address theft, but once livestock leave their region animals become nearly impossible to trace. Bayer Animal Health has responded to the plight of ranchers by asking Cattlenetwork to assist them in developing CattleWatch, a national notification service for theft and indictments with a tracking resource center. Basically it is a 24/7 online alert to let people know to be on the look- out for stolen cattle. Think of it like a 21st century “WANTED” poster. Currently the system is set up to alert people from Texas to North Dakota but as it proves it’s effectiveness I’m sure it will be implemented here out west as well. For more information contact either the Bayer Animal Science livestock division or CattleNetwork. Yes technology is great, but we also can learn from history on how to stop cattle rustling. In Texas cowboys are answering the call to become “special” Texas Rangers and to date have made multiple rustling arrests ( even without the hangin tree.) I’m Susan Allen