Cattle rustling: An Old West problem still plagues New Mexico ranchers

Venture outside the city and vast tracts of dusty plains greet wondering adventurers around New Mexico, along with herds of cattle, whose only restriction upon complete freedom is a wobbly barbed-wire fence. This is not the Eddy County of a century ago, but in terms of livestock crime, ranchers may as well be living in the Wild West. Technology has evolved and aided in the capture of criminals, but deterrence remains lacking. "In some ways it's the same as it probably was in the 1800s, but probably not on quite as big a scale now as it was back then because there are better ways of tracking stuff," said Darrell Brown, the chairman of the New Mexico Beef Council who also does some ranching in Artesia. Last week the Eddy County Sheriff's Office reported that a man was seen skinning a calf on the side of Rocking R Red Road near Armstrong Road in Hope, southwest of Artesia. The man gutted it and took the calf before police arrived on scene. The Eddy County cattle growers are now offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the cattle rustler, double the amount of the original $500 reward posted immediately following the event. The incident was a stark reminder that cattle theft, commonly known as "cattle rustling," remains part of everyday life, even in the 21st century. Today internet databases and other electronic means of tracking allow law enforcement to spot cattle theft quicker and capture suspects easier. "I've been here for more than 20 years, and it's changed dramatically for me because all of us have computers and such in our vehicles now," said Ray Baca, the director of the New Mexico Livestock Board. "Technology has been the number one factor. If somebody calls me and says (an animal) just got stolen, we are linked to other law enforcement plus (our database) alerts all of our inspectors at the sales barns as well to make sure somebody is not trying to sell them or dispose of them. It would actually alert the adjoining states of that theft as well." Of the 11 states that have brand laws, New Mexico boasts the strongest legal recourse. The state Livestock Board is the oldest government entity in the state and was established in 1887, 25 years before New Mexico was granted statehood. Board inspectors have the same authority as the New Mexico State Police — they can arrest and detain suspects and are not bound by any municipalities. The New Mexico Livestock Board's power is rare for a state agricultural inspection agency and is another reason agents are so effective in catching rustlers, according to Baca...more