Modern-day cattle rustlers causing problems in S. Fla.

Cattle thefts resulting from the recession continue, this time in South Florida, reports Peter Franceschina of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He writes that cattle rustling in the state is rare, but calls the recent thefts "a sign of the hardscrabble economic times" and the current high prices of beef. Florida Cattlemen's Association V.P., Jim Handley, told Franceschina that thefts are "trending upward" in recent years in the state, something he hasn't seen in his 15 years in the position. Cattle rustling in southern and Midwestern states in recent years has cost ranchers millions of dollars. (Sun Sentinel photo: The Wilsons with their cows)

"There are about 1.7 million beef cattle in Florida, and another 115,000 or so milk cows," Handley told Franceschina, adding the cattle industry has an annual economic impact of $3.8 billion in the state. Most thieves are caught in the act of selling cattle at livestock markets, though, and thePalm Beach County Sheriff's Department is relying on its agricultural crimes unit to investigate these cases. Cattlemen's Association state director, Chuck Russo, told Franceschina that some steal the cows to eat, while others steal them for profit. Franceschina recounts stories from several ranchers who've been hit by cattle theft in recent years. The Wilson's have recently been hit by rustlers and have become more vigilant as a result. They've been giving their cattle more feed to prevent thieves from enticing them with food. (Read more)