Cattle Rustling

SueH · Post by **SueH** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:57 pm

Hi all, I have heard whispers here and there regarding the increase of cattle rustling although I have not seen any actual reports. Can anybody tell if they have heard of anything more 'concrete' rather than just rumours? I have a herd of 30 Dexters that includes several reds and duns which in some cases me be more attractive, and as we do not live on our premises but 12 miles away I am a little concerned over their security.

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:32 pm

Sue,
thieves are so brazen that they take animals or whatever no matter what you do. This year I have had water troughs stolen from fields, my barn was broken into and electric fencing, generator and other small tools taken. It wasn't until I went to use my stock trailer a few weeks later that I realized that they had tried to steal that, they had tried to drill the lock on the hitch but had been unable to drill it out, needless to say I have a bill of £70 to replace the hitch as it is now useless. Within a couple of weeks three horse trailers and an Ifor Williams flat bed have been stolen in this area. Last year a friend had his farm buldings broken into and they loaded his trailer with a lot of other gear and the building is only 10 metres from his house? His loss came to £8000.

stew · Post by **stew** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:38 pm

we had 30 soay sheep nicked by our ethnic cousins last year
the coppers laughed when i rung them thinking it was a wind up
i saw them one night running round 6 acre paddock in their bloody nighties it was kinda funny to see

Ted Neal · Post by **Ted Neal** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 9:18 pm

19 Red Poll cattle were stolen from a farm in Norfolk. The cattle were actually yarded next to the farmhouse and nothing was heard. Take care

Louisa Gidney · Post by **Louisa Gidney** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:05 am

And this is one of the reasons I leave the horns on my cattle. I never have this sort of bother when the cattle are at home & Bull in Field sign on gate. Most of the light fingered fraternity assume that anything with horns is a bull. Since the senior cow demands cuddles with menaces from any passing human, most people take the line of discretion is the better part of valour.

redhill · Post by **redhill** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:28 am

I must agree with Louisa's comments, perhaps a Bull in field sign might be a deterant, and a word with anyone living near your herd telling them no one except yourself has any right to go onto your premises,we have found this works well,and only costs us a joint of beef when one of the Dexters goes off.

Sue Castlemears herd

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 6:14 pm

I was going to suggest nose-ringing some cows :D, but if they rustle cattle then they must know what they are doing. There has been a spate of rustling and also tractor pinching in Shropshire lately. Our friend had her tractor pinched only a few weeks ago. At the moment they are just taking used New Hollands.

You might have a police email alert system in your area? We do and it's very useful as you get prior warning very quickly indeed of things happening around you.

davidw · Post by **davidw** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 8:37 pm

I've been concerned about rustling for some time. With the increased value of Dexter beef and the fact that many Dexter's are relatively tame and easy to handle I feel that its bound to happen. We have had lots of local thefts of diesel fuel and quad bikes. Interesting to hear that police thought that a report of sheep rustling was a wind up - our police force (Warwickshire) probably wouldn't even have answered the phone. It takes them 3 hours (documented) to respond to a 999 call. One neighbour took them CCTV footage of thieves taking his tools and steam cleaner, they couldn't have been less interested.

Edited By davidw on 1246477154

Felicity · Post by **Felicity** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:52 pm

I had my cattle trailer stolen by the"do as they likies"and the police realy dont want to know. I managed to find it and retrieve it so guess I was lucky.We have found in the past that the best way of keeping them out is to leave the Bull loose on the yard at night. We also put a motorbike chain and lock on the gates and weld washers on the hinges to stop them lifting the gates of, but it seems to be that if it is not screwed down it is gone I am always realy worried about the stock though.

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:13 am

Lots of things went missing from my farm yard about 15 years ago and then a friend rescued a completely bonkers German Shepherd Dog and really couldn't manage it in town. He had a particular dislike for men. I offered to take him on, I did my best with him but couldn't get him much calmer and unfortunately I had to have him put down 3 years later for fear of him eating the postman! However to this day I have little trouble with things going off the yard and a certain type of gentleman caller will still say to me - you've got a nasty dog haven't you and I always say yes! I find if I hang on to the nice quiet one I've got now by the collar and make a show of dragging him into the house it helps the illusion!!! :;):

Stephanie

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:45 am

Stephanie says " I find if I hang on to the nice quiet one I've got now by the collar and make a show of dragging him into the house it helps the illusion"

No need to refer to Chris in that way!!

Duncan

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 10:01 am

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Stephanie