stockmansassoc(NDSA) The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association reports, more livestock found dead in Morton and Sioux County, N.D.
Violent acts against livestock in Morton and Sioux County continue. Authorities
confirmed reports of two new cases of dead animals after being on the scene in their
pastures Friday. One case involves four butchered bison. The other case involves
two cows that were killed and then burned. The animals belong to two different owners.
These cases add to a growing tally of animals that have been killed, wounded or
gone missing in the same area over the past five weeks.
The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) and the Sioux County Sheriff’s
Department
are working together to investigate these and the rash of other livestock cases
that have been reported since late September 2016.
NDSA Chief Brand Inspector Stan Misek described the crimes against the livestock
as “horrible.” “These have been cruel and senseless acts against animals and their
owners,” Misek said. “We are committed to finding out who is responsible and bringing
forth justice for the victims.”
The agencies are continuing to ask for the public’s help in solving the cases. Anyone
with information should call Misek at (701) 223-2522 or (701) 720- 2430, NDSA West
River Fieldman Steve Bay at (701) 955-3422 or Sioux County Sheriff Frank Landeis
at (701) 854-3481. The NDSA has a standing reward of up to $14,000 for information
leading to the arrest and conviction of those who steal, butcher or shoot cattle,
horses or mules.
According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service’s (NASS) January 2016 report,
Morton County is the leading cattle-producing county in the state, with Sioux County
ranking eighth. Of the counties reporting data in the NASS’s 2012 census – the most
recent data – Sioux County ranks ninth in the state for having the most bison.