SSGA, SWF look for info on livestock shootings

Anyone with information that leads to conviction in the criminal shooting of livestock would receive $10,000

Due to recent shootings of livestock in the province, the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) are partnering with SaskTIP to gather information on these crimes.

SaskTIP is a registered charity that maintains a reward fund to help with prosecution and apprehension of people breaking environmental and resource laws.

“Three or four cases across the province have come to light in last few months,” said Chad MacPherson, the general manager of SSGA.

The SSGA and SWF are offering $10,000 to anyone with information that leads to conviction in these criminal shootings. The livestock in the cases include cattle and horses, said MacPherson.

SSGA staff also want to raise awareness among members so they note any suspicious activity they find with their animals such as missing animals or animals that died suddenly, said MacPherson.

Since this time of year is hunting season for whitetail deer in the province, it’s not uncommon for livestock to be injured. However, the cases the organizations seek information about were criminal activities and not accidents, the release said.

“Usually, people own up if it's accidental,” MacPherson said. “I encourage anybody who has any information regarding these cases to contact the RCMP.”

People with information can contact their local police agency, call the Turn in Poachers Line, toll-free, at 1-800-667-7561, or call 1-306-216-8294 to speak with the RCMP constable working on this file.

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