There's a growing concern from cattle producers after a number of livestock have been illegally shot and killed in Saskatchewan.
Kelcy Elford, President of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers, says this is a serious offence and it needs to be stopped.
"Province wide we know of at least six that have been reported of livestock that has been shot definitely unneedingly and very, very, blatantly and irresponsibly. We take this very, very seriously, and we're very concerned about people
shooting livestock."
Elford says this is a serious offence and a blatant disregard for people's property.
"There was a case last week up by Earl Grey where a producer had checked his animals the day before, and everything was fine. The next morning he saw the tire tracks where they had pulled in and a 600 pound steer had been shot through the ribs for no other reason than they wanted to shoot that animal."
He notes the cost of losing livestock is significant for producers.
Elford says it's not uncommon to see the occasional animal injured during hunting season but generally individuals track producers down and will make restitution but this is just blatant criminal activity.
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation President Clark Schultz says this type of behaviour is condemned by the law-abiding hunting and firearm communities, adding these people are criminals.
SaskTip Board Chair Lorne Scott welcomes the support and cooperation of the SSGA and SWF, stating the importance of collectively working with livestock producers and law-abiding citizens to curtail irresponsible and needless destruction and suffering of domestic animals.
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and SaskTips are putting up a $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction regarding people illegally killing livestock in the Province.
If you have information that could assist in the apprehension and prosecution of any individual illegally shooting domestic livestock, Call the Turn In Poachers Line, toll-free, at 1-800-667-7561.
Tips can remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to a conviction.
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