TSCRA currently has 29 special rangers stationed strategically throughout Texas and Oklahoma who have in-depth knowledge of the cattle industry and are trained in all facets of law enforcement. All are commissioned as Special Rangers by Texas Department of Public Safety and/or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
In 2008, the association’s special rangers investigated 902 cases in Texas and Oklahoma, primarily involving stray or stolen livestock. Working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement officers, the special rangers recovered or accounted for 5,422 head of cattle, 49 horses, 19 trailers, 12 saddles and 63 items of miscellaneous ranch property. The total market value of all recovered livestock and property reached $4,808,157.68. The average value of property recovered or accounted for each day was $13,173.
Offenders were given 227 years of prison, probated, deferred or suspended sentences and ordered to perform 10 years and 2,800 hours of community service. In addition, the courts ordered those convicted to pay $1,015,742 in restitution to the victims, $29,665 in fines and $16,651 in court costs.
TSCRA Director of Law Enforcement Larry Gray encouraged all cattle producers and owners of other livestock and farm and ranch equipment to take steps to protect themselves from theft. He invited them to contact their local TSCRA Special Ranger or the Fort Worth office at 800-242-7820 for theft prevention and brand information.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 132-year-old trade organization whose 15,000 members manage approximately 3.7 million cattle on 96.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement services, livestock inspection, legislative and regulatory advocacy and education opportunities for its members.
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