WSDA Blog

High cattle prices, driven by historically low herd numbers, are fueling a significant rise in cattle theft across the U.S. in 2025–2026, often targeting young, unbranded animals. In any case of missing livestock, whether animals have strayed or theft is suspected, it’s important to act quickly and follow the right steps.

When livestock go missing, the cause isn’t always immediately clear. Animals may wander due to fencing issues, weather, or other factors, but theft can also occur. Prompt reporting improves the chances of recovery and helps protect other producers.

Before it happens

While no operation is completely risk-free, there are steps producers can take to reduce the likelihood of livestock going missing or being stolen:

• Maintain secure fencing and gates. Regularly inspect for damage, especially after storms or high winds, and repair issues promptly.
• Use clear, registered brands or other identification. Brands remain one of the most reliable ways to establish ownership, and ear tags, tattoos, or electronic ID can provide additional support.
• Keep updated records, including inventories, photos, and descriptions of animals with unique markings or characteristics.
• Monitor your property. Trail cameras, locked gates, and routine pasture checks can help deter theft and identify suspicious activity early.
• Stay connected with neighbors and nearby producers so unusual activity can be shared quickly.

Signs livestock theft may be involved

In some situations, missing animals may indicate theft rather than straying. Watch for:

• Cut or damaged fencing, especially in areas not prone to natural breaks
• Gates left open or showing signs of tampering
• Tire tracks, trailers, or unfamiliar vehicles near your property
• Missing animals that are younger, unbranded, or higher value

If you notice any of these signs, report them immediately and include those details when contacting authorities.

Preserve evidence when possible

If theft is suspected, try to preserve the scene until law enforcement arrives:

• Avoid disturbing tracks, gates, or damaged fencing
• Take clear photos of the area, including possible entry or exit points
• Note vehicle tracks, footprints, or other unusual evidence
• Save any surveillance or trail camera footage right away

These details can be valuable during an investigation.

What to do if livestock are missing

If your livestock are missing, take the following steps as soon as possible:

• Contact your local law enforcement agency, such as your county Sheriff’s Office or local police to report the situation
• Notify WSDA’s Livestock Identification (LID) Program to document the case and initiate a report. Visit the Reporting Missing or Stolen Livestock webpage for more information.
• Provide detailed descriptions, including brands, markings, ear tags, and other identifying features
• Document when and where the animals were last seen, along with any unusual activity

Once a report is filed, WSDA shares the information with brand inspectors and investigators across Washington and with partners in other states. Early reporting helps ensure inspectors can watch for missing animals during routine checks at livestock markets, ownership changes, and interstate movement.

WSDA’s brand inspectors verify ownership and can hold animals lacking proper documentation, while investigators work with local law enforcement to follow up, share records, and help resolve cases. These coordinated efforts improve the chances of recovery.
Clear, recorded brands remain one of the most effective tools for establishing ownership. Branded animals can often be traced quickly, while ownership of unbranded livestock is more difficult to confirm.

If you find unknown livestock on your property

If livestock appear on your property and you cannot locate the owner:

• Contact local law enforcement or WSDA as soon as possible
• Do not transport the animals unless directed by authorities
• Provide feed and water temporarily if it is safe to do so

State law does not allow individuals to keep found livestock, but there is a process in place to care for the animals and identify the rightful owner.

WSDA is committed to supporting producers and protecting Washington’s livestock industry. For more information, including how to report missing or found animals, visit the Livestock Identification Program webpage.