Hopes fade in heinous heifer heist

Thursday 09 August 2018

You might have thought that cattle-rustling had its day in the American Wild West. But it seems that Jersey cows are now such hot property, they have got the cattle thieves looking for ways to herd them to pastures new.

Two American dairy farmers have been left looking for new Jerseys after a group of bullish cow criminals pilfered the cream of their dairy herds.

In total, John Violette, of Monument View Farm, Easton in Washington County lost a herd of seven cows including both Guernseys and Jerseys while they were being kept at a friend's farm in Argyle Valley.

According to WNYT.com news, the owner of the Argyle farm, Marty DePaul, also lost 2 of his own cows in the theft, alongside a ton of grain and medication for his cows.

Mr DePaul told WNYT.com: “...the whole situation just stinks…we don’t do it for the money… it’s supposed to be fun.” He said the loss was felt keenly throughout his family, especially by his son, Little Marty, who had been looking forward to showing his calf in an upcoming event. His eager hopes of winning the classes he entered have been devastated by the mysterious disappearance of the prized herd. 

Pictured: How WNYT.com broke the theft story.

It is not clear exactly how they were removed from the premises without drawing attention, as the farm is at the end of a dead end street and is surrounded by an electric fence. It is thought by Mr DePaul and Mr Violette that the devious barnyard burglars must have had clear intentions and expert knowledge of the animals as, according to WNYT.com, "it is not an easy feat to steal seven cows and a ton of grain."

Despite the fact that the cows have location tags, their whereabouts remain a mystery.

In an effort to find the cows, the farmers involved the County Sheriff’s department and have used social media to spread awareness of the incident. As the search continues, an award has been offered for anyone who manages to locate the beefy bounty, in the hope that the cows may yet be spotted by members of the local community and returned to their rightful owners.