In Texas, The Punishment Used to Be Hanging for What These Thieves Just Stole
Thanks to the show Yellowstone, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the Old West lifestyle in Texas. Some, just want to dress the part, with jeans, boots, button-up shirt.
For others, they want to add some animals to their land like goats, chickens, and maybe a cow or two. For others in Texas, however, ranching has been a part of their life for generations. It's not only a way of life, but their income, too. That's why theft is still a big deal.
Theft in the Old West
There was a time when theft was punished almost on the spot. It could be as simple as getting thrown into the town jail for a few days for a small theft to as harsh as being shot on the spot for a huge theft. A huge theft could be a person's horse to stealing multiple cattle from someone.
That's why branding was so important at that time. It was the only way to identify whose cattle was whose.
We will hear on the news from time to time of someone's cattle being stolen. When we hear that, we think that's more an Old West thing than something that would happen in 2024. No, cattle theft is still a thing and is becoming a crime that's happening more often.
Punishment for Cattle Theft
In Texas, cattle theft is a felony. If the total value is below $100,000, it is a third-degree felony. The punishment can be 2 to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
If the value goes above $100,000 but less than $200,000, it is a second-degree felony with a punishment of 2 to 20 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Anything above a total value of $200,000 is a first-degree felony with a punishment of 5 years to 99 years, or life, and/or a $10,000 fine.
In the days of the Old West, you only wish it could've been a felony. You would be hanged for stealing someone else's cattle.
Clay County Cattle Theft
Earlier this month, JW Cattle Company reported that 40 cows and a bull were stolen from their property. The Clay County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of the Black Baldies and Black Angus cows valued at around $100,000.
No suspects have been identified yet but a witness does place a tan truck with a cattle trailer at one of the ranch's gates in the time frame of the robbery (kxan.com).
You can report any information about the theft at 940-538-5611 or p3tips.com.
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