Province to fund livestock cop to cut down on theft

BRANDON — The Manitoba government will fund a new RCMP position dedicated to investigating livestock theft.

The province made the announcement Thursday.

Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said the investigative role will fill a pressing need.

“Personally speaking, I think this has been a long time waiting for this to come to reality,” the Dauphin MLA said Wednesday. “We are doing a great thing for the industry.”

The RCMP officer will work with livestock producers and other law enforcement agencies. Kostyshyn said the high value of livestock today increases the need for a dedicated RCMP position to investigate theft, deter crime and enforce the law.

“There’s been reported cases of cattle (theft). You know, a trailer load goes missing in this location, never to be found,” Kostyshyn said. “I don’t think you would have a herd of 200 cows disappear in one instance.”

About 57 cases of livestock theft in Manitoba were reported to RCMP between 2021 and 2025, Kostyshyn said.

The position is also expected to support the future introduction of a livestock inspection program in Manitoba.

The job is full time and permanent, with investigations expected to take place across the province, Kostyshyn’s press secretary said.

He did not disclose the dollar amount the province is committing to the new role.

The RCMP could not provide information Wednesday about where the officer will be based or when the position is expected to be filled.

The Manitoba Beef Producers, an advocacy group representing cattle farmers, has been pushing for years to have a livestock inspection program introduced in Manitoba. The program would combat theft by increasing traceability of cattle as they are sold and purchased.

“No doubt, the livestock (inspection service) is a necessity,” Kostyshyn said. “The legislation is in the process right now, and in due time, through legislation, it will come into active position.”

The livestock industry benefits from the RCMP role because it provides confidence that laws will be enforced, the CEO of the Manitoba Beef Producers said.

“It increases confidence because producers and auction marts and people within the value chain can know that they have a resource to go to, that there’s somebody watching over the operations within the industry as that kind of deterrent,” said Carson Callum.

“We really need confidence that there is going to be that enforcement resource through the RCMP, and that’s why we’re very pleased with the announcement that’s coming out (today).”

He added: “Sometimes thefts and frauds happen, and we haven’t had a strong enforcement wing or inspection service in place.”

— Brandon Sun