Rising cattle prices spur spike in rustling

By Walter GeigerCattle prices have risen to top dollar levels and the age-old crime of cattle rustling is making a comeback as a result.’Out west, they’re stealing dairy cattle because they aren’t branded,’ local cattleman Marty Sewell reported. Now, apparently, the rustlers have hit closer to home.Sewell found a section cut out of a 52-inch bull panel last week at his spread on High Falls Park Road while cutting grass along the fence line to keep cows from pushing against it. ‘We didn’t have any cows missing but I think that’s what they were there for. I think they heard my dogs barking and left before they got anything loaded up,’ Sewell said. He reported the incident to the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Brad White said Sewell’s incident was the first he has heard of hereabouts.Sewell urges cattlemen and women to be vigilant.’There are people out there stealing cows. I just want to warn folks,’ Sewell said.