“Man Charged in Cattle Branding Fraud Case”

A 52-year-old man has been charged by the RCMP following an investigation into alleged fraudulent branding of cattle. Branding is a common method used to establish ownership of livestock. The incident came to light on July 6 when Livestock Services of Saskatchewan received a report about 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 head of cattle on the farm. Upon inspection, it was discovered that 99 of the cattle had altered brands placed over the original ones, while the remaining cattle were fraudulently branded with a new mark. The accused individual faces charges of altering a cattle brand and committing fraud over $5,000. He is set to appear in court for the first time next month.