New RCMP position to investigate theft of livestock

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

The funding announcement is expected to be made today at the annual lunch for the Manitoba Beef Producers at the legislature.

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

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

The RCMP officer position will work with livestock producers and other law enforcement agencies to enforce livestock laws. 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 new RCMP position is also expected to support the future introduction of a livestock inspection program in Manitoba.

The position is full-time and permanent, with investigations expected to take place all across the province, Kostyshyn’s press secretary, Caedmon Malowany, said Wednesday.

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

The RCMP could not provide information on Wednesday about where the officer will be based out of 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 the province. The program would combat the issue of stolen cattle being sold, as it would increase traceability of cattle as they are sold and purchased.

Kostyshyn said the Manitoba government has listened to beef producers on this issue and legislation is on the way.

“No doubt, the livestock (inspection service) is a necessity,” he 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 investigation role because it provides confidence that laws will be enforced, Carson Callum, CEO of the Manitoba Beef Producers, said in a phone interview Wednesday.

“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,” Callum said.

“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 (Thursday).”

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

Callum said that the creation of a livestock-focused RCMP position is an important step toward the introduction of a livestock inspection service in the province.

“I think it it really gives momentum.”

» cmcdowell@brandonsun.com