Missing cattle -- Photo credit RCMP

By Dori Modney

From Alberta to Saskatchewan, RCMP livestock catch fraudulent cattle sales

Sep 24, 2021 | 3:47 PM

TOFIELD, AB. — It’s almost like the wild west, with the equivalent of cattle rustling. However, this case isn’t new or unique and it can happen anywhere on the prairies. Ranchers need to be wary.

On Aug. 19, the Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit got a report of an alleged fraudulent purchase of cattle in Tofield, Alta.

The Unit’s investigation determined suspects had allegedly purchased cattle with a fraudulent cheque and transported the cattle out of province without brand inspection.

Saskatchewan Livestock Services were called to assist and a location was identified where the cattle might be.

On Sept. 16, a search warrant was executed, allowing the Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit to recover the cattle, which included a total of 19 animals. They were seized and identified through registered livestock brands and/or registered pure bred tattoos.

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Stolen Cattle – Photo Credit RCMP

Shane and Shanon Hoff, both of Two Hills, Alta., have both been charged with Fraud Over $5,000 and are scheduled to appear in Vegreville Provincial Court on Oct. 18, 2021.

RCMP note that this pair of individuals are believed to have been involved in similar business transactions. As such, the RCMP are asking anyone with information about similar incidents to contact the Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigations Unit at 403-598-6991, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit investigators encourage all livestock owners to brand their cattle and horses, as this is the primary means of ownership identification and in most cases, relied upon for successful prosecution.