SPIRITWOOD – Cattle allegedly stolen from Alberta were located in Saskatchewan.
Police say that on Sept. 2, the Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit, with assistance of Livestock Services of Saskatchewan, executed a search warrant in Spiritwood, Sask., and seized two purebred Black Angus bulls.
The cattle were allegedly purchased through fraudulent means in Tofield, Alta.
Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit had received a report about the cattle on Aug. 19. Their investigation determined suspects allegedly purchased cattle with a fraudulent cheque and transported the cattle out of province without brand inspection.
Livestock Services of Saskatchewan were called to assist and a location was identified where the cattle were believed to be grazing. When police searched the Spiritwood property they found evidence of additional victims.
On Sept. 16, a second search warrant was executed and the Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit recovered cattle subject of alleged fraud committed by the same suspects in Thorsby, Alta., and Lloydminster, Sask. A total of 19 animals were seized and identified through registered livestock brands and/or registered purebred tattoos.
Two Alberta residents, Shane and Shanon Hoff of Two Hills, were arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000. They are scheduled to appear in Vegreville Provincial Court Oct. 18.
The charges against them haven’t been proven in court.
Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit investigators encourage all livestock owners to brand their cattle and horses as this is the primary means of ownership identification and in most cases, relied upon for successful prosecution.
RCMP say that Shane and Shanon Hoff are believed to have been involved in similar business transactions and are asking anyone with information about similar incidents to contact the Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigations Unit at 403-598-6991, or your local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPPS), online atwww.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Spiritwood is about 110 kilometres northeast of North Battleford.
