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 today. 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.
Source; North Dakota Stockmen's Association
