Cow theft not an isolated case
While police are investigating the theft of 500 cows from an Ashburton farm, another nearby farmer says it is the third known theft of cows this year in a 50km radius of that farm.
One farmer, who recently lost $60,000 worth of calves from her Dannevirke farm, thinks so.
Jen Corbin told Morning Report it was the second time she and her husband have had stock stolen by cattle rustlers in as many years.
She said unlike domestic pets that were microchipped, all that was required in New Zealand to identify stock was an ear tag which was easily removed.
She called for the technology to be developed for use in stock because it was “the only way you’re going to be able to keep track of livestock”.
“It would make sense. If you can GPS track an animal through their skin. You know they can take them but if they go to sell them, then there’s a scan... and then it’s in there for life.”
Read More:
- Keeping a watch on dairy farms
- Uniforms and phone coverage an issue for rural policing
- Tougher penalties needed for stock theft
