Oklahoma lawmakers have proposed a pair of bills to deter a rise in cattle rustling and theft of farm equipment, Jeff Guo reports for The Washington Post.
One proposal sets mandatory jail time for stealing farm animals, and the
other allows farmers and ranchers to shoot down drones that they fear
belong to potential thieves scouting the area.
A
Senate bill that would mandate a prison sentence of five to 15
years for stealing farm animals or machines and a fine equal to three
times what the equipment is worth cleared a committee this week, Rick
Green reports for The Oklahoman.
"Animals covered under the measure include mules, cows, horses and
more. A lesser prison term of six months to three years would be
required for the theft of a dog, sheep or goat."
Under
current law, a person caught stealing cattle can avoid prison by paying a
fine equal to three times the value of the cattle stolen, Green writes.
"The alternative to the fine for the theft of cattle is a sentence of
three to 10 years."
Also this week a Senate committee
approved a proposal "that would let property owners shoot down drones
and not be held civilly liable for monetary damages," Barbara Hoberock
reports for Tulsa World. The bill's author Sen. Ralph Shortey
(R-Oklahoma City) "said the measure was needed to protect property
owners from cattle thieves who are using drones with recording devices
to track herds and their owners." Shortey "said the measure was designed
to protect land owners from being sued for damages if they destroy or
damage the unmanned aircraft by any means." (Read more)
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