JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Legislature has given final approval to an agriculture bill which includes a provision raising the penalty for stealing cattle from a Class C felony to a Class B felony if the value of the cattle exceeds $10,000. Senator David Sater, R-Cassville, worked with the sponsor of Senate Bill 9 to add the language that ultimately passed.

“Cattle rustling is a serious problem in southwest Missouri,” said Sen. Sater. “In a time when our farmers are already struggling to make ends meet, this is another burden and expense. Frankly, the problem has reached the point where something has to be done.”

Farmers in southwest Missouri have been hit particularly hard. The area’s close proximity to other states and position near major highways makes it a prime target for thieves. Reports on the number of cattle stolen over the last few years in southwest Missouri range from 200 head valued at approximately $200,000 to as many as 500 valued at nearly $500,000.

“We need to give law enforcement and our courts the tools necessary to go after cattle rustlers and put them behind bars,” said Sen. Sater. “If a cattle rustler is looking at 15 years in prison, they might think twice before cutting a fence or backing a trailer up to a gate.” 

A Class B felony carries a sentence of no less than five years and up to 15 years in prison. In addition to the increased penalty, the Legislature included funding for 10 additional detectives for the Rural Crimes Unit of the Highway Patrol. One of the responsibilities for the Rural Crimes Unit is to investigate cattle thefts.

Punishing those stealing cattle isn’t the only option being discussed to address this problem. Some farmers are opting to brand their cattle, while others are working with local law enforcement to raise public awareness. Earlier this year, the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, the Southwest Missouri Cattlemen's Association, and the University of Missouri Extension held a cattle branding demonstration in Lawrence County.

Both the Senate and the House have given final approval to SB 9. It now awaits the governor’s signature.