RCMP have arrested a 52-year-old individual following an inquiry into allegations of fraudulent cattle branding. Livestock branding is a common method used for proving ownership of animals. The investigation was initiated on July 6 when Livestock Services of Saskatchewan was informed about modified cattle brands at a farm located in the rural municipality of Martin, approximately 225 kilometers east of Regina, as stated in an RCMP news release on Wednesday.
Owen Third, the livestock investigator for Saskatchewan RCMP, collaborated with officers from Moosomin RCMP and Livestock Services of Saskatchewan to examine 197 cattle at the farm. RCMP disclosed that upon inspection, it was discovered that 99 of the cattle had been rebranded with alterations covering the original brand, while the rest had been fraudulently branded with a new mark.
The individual in question faces charges including altering a cattle brand and committing fraud exceeding $5,000. The accused is set to appear in court for the first time next month.