GLENDO – At an at-capacity meeting of area ranchers and landowners Wednesday at Glendo town hall, the message was clear: don’t ignore missing cattle anymore. Even if it is just one or two you may have written off as lost or killed by coyotes.

The meeting, attended by ranchers, landowners, brand inspectors, and law enforcement, was prompted by the likely theft of nine red steers Glendo rancher Tim Millikin confirmed were missing with no evidence of their death; but the sticking point is, he didn’t realize they were truly missing until several months after the fact.

After thorough investigations to try to find any trace of the cattle, it is almost a given the cattle were most likely stolen. He posted notices and spread the word about the missing cattle and found others have similar stories.

“When I first posted this award, we got a lot of phone calls, and I’ve talked to a lot of people. We’re not the only ones that are missing cattle. We’ve got neighbors and ranchers all over the county missing cattle,” Millikin said at the opening of the meeting. “It’s happening, and we want to make people aware that it’s happening.”

Millikin admitted, he believes his cattle are long gone and will never know exactly what happened to them, but wanted to raise awareness so everyone is on the same page in realizing there is an issue, and it seems like it has been going on for years. For Millikin, he has lost 20 cattle in eight to ten years.

“You guys are well aware of the market for cattle, and the depressed economy. You are extremely vulnerable right now,” Steve True said. True is the director of the Wyoming Livestock Board and was at the meeting to explain the role of the brand inspection and investigations in Wyoming. He also discussed the crucial part ranchers take in finding rustlers.

“Please call. If we get nothing out of this meeting tonight, at least take a good look at us and don’t hesitate to call – and call your sheriff to make a report,” True urged.

He emphasized the need for livestock producers to call right away if they are missing any livestock because time is of the essence. Cattle can change hands two or three times in a day when they are stolen, and most of the reports turned in to investigate are at least three weeks old.

“The biggest thing is: we don’t get calls. If you are bringing in 50 – 60 head of cattle and are missing four or five, oftentimes you don’t want to call us then find out they are over the next ridge. We don’t care about that. Call us. Then, let us know if you found them,” True said. “Making that report is just another risk management tool.”

Additionally, if you see anything suspicious, or just out of place, take notes get plate numbers or vehicle descriptions, and don’t be afraid to call the sheriff’s department on their non-emergency line. Follow up if you don’t hear back from them or the brand inspector, but at the same time, be patient.

While there is a need for vigilance, Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker emphasized, livestock theft is typically a way to cashflow a business or a habit, and such individuals can be unpredictable and dangerous. “When dealing with cattle rustlers: these guys are dangerous. They are bad people to begin with to be a thief. If you see these guys, it might not be the best thing for you to confront them.”

Other tips for ranchers: count your herds as often as you can, but don’t be predictable. Put up game cams or electronic surveillance and have a backup plan in case the device is damaged or stolen. Get to know your neighbors, note anything unusual or out of place, and again, don’t be embarrassed or afraid to call if anything is suspicious.

“Try to look at your place like the guy that’s going to steal your cattle,” Becker said. “They want it to be easy, so don’t make it easy.”

True explained when a missing cattle report is made, and it is confirmed by an investigator, the report goes out immediately to law enforcement across the state, and to the 16 states with brand inspection investigation programs. If there is evidence where the stolen livestock may be headed, even sale barns in areas nick-named “weigh ‘em and pay ’em” regions will work with investigators if they are made aware to be looking for something specific.

Second, brand investigators will be labeled as missing and/or a stolen larceny report. How the incident is labeled will depend on information given to the sheriff or investigators.

“The bigger picture is…there is rural crime of all kinds involved [in this,]” True said.

The WLB has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 11 counties in Wyoming which are border counties, for their officers to do targeted reports and additional random checks to catch traffic or activity coming in or out of the state. The MOU also makes it possible to utilize resources in those counties in any county brand investigators need them.

“Don’t be afraid to lean on these guys. They might be thin, but they get everywhere – and if there is a problem, they will get there right away,” True said as he encouraged ranchers to communicate with local law enforcement.

“Be diligent: if you see something, say something,” said Corporal Larry Moniz with Laramie County Sheriff’s Department, explaining, sometimes those reports are what is needed to solve a case.

“Along those lines, we’re all trusting, especially in rural Wyoming. You guys have ranch hands, etc. make sure you pay attention to them,” Sheriff David Russell of Platte County said. “Some of the larger operations have been calling us to tell us their employees are stealing livestock, hay, yearlings, those sorts of things. We’re willing: if you think this is happening, we can come take a look. If you are laying someone off and you are concerned about any retaliation, let us know. We’re more than glad to do a standby while you terminate them or assist in providing coverage for as long as you need.”

Millikin pointed out there were people at the meeting from area subdivisions, and he extended his thanks they attended the meeting, pointing out they can be the eyes and ears of a lot of activity in the area. He encouraged ranchers to get to know their smaller -parcel neighbors if they haven’t. “These guys are nice people, and they can be helpful. I’m glad to see you here.”

“What started out as us missing cattle turned into a community thing…I [hope things go] how I envision and …everyone [starts] paying attention,” Millikin said.

As discussed at the meeting, law enforcement from multiple counties will be working closely together with the Wyoming Livestock Board and landowners to reduce or stop the amount of “missing cattle” that turn out to be thefts in Wyoming and the local area. There are plans to utilize more advanced tools and equipment in WLB investigations; and the WLB is currently working on an update to their website to have quicker notification of law enforcement for missing livestock reports, and more up-to-date lists and tools for the public to use.

Law enforcement agencies represented at the meeting were Platte County Sheriff’s Department, Converse County Sheriff’s Department, Laramie County Sheriff’s Department, Niobrara County Sheriff’s Department, Wyoming State Parks, and Wyoming Livestock Board brand investigators.

For more information, contact the WLB at wslb.state.wy.us or by calling 307-777-7515; or contact your local sheriff’s department. Platte County Sheriff’s department can be reached at 307-322-2331.