RCMP have arrested a 52-year-old individual following an investigation into allegations of fraudulent branding of cattle. Branding is a common method used to indicate ownership of livestock.
The investigation was prompted by a tip received on July 6 by Livestock Services of Saskatchewan, regarding altered cattle brands at a farm in the rural municipality of Martin, located approximately 225 kilometers east of Regina. Owen Third, the livestock investigator for Saskatchewan RCMP, collaborated with Moosomin RCMP officers and Livestock Services of Saskatchewan to examine 197 cattle at the farm.
Upon inspection, it was revealed that 99 of the cattle had altered brands overlaid on the original markings, while the remaining cattle had been fraudulently branded with a new mark. The accused individual faces charges of altering a cattle brand and fraud exceeding $5,000.
The suspect is set to appear in court for the first time next month.