Cattle Thieves Targeting Local Farms

When you think of cattle rustlers, it’s easy to evoke a Hollywood-style image of bandits sneaking onto a ranch and stealing a cow.

But the practice is very much alive on Sonoma County ranches, who have experienced a spike in stolen cattle in recent months, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

On September 8, a rancher reported three sheep stolen from a property located in 3100 block of Adobe Road. The rancher said she saw a suspicious man trespassing on her property days prior to the theft and saw him leave in a black Mercedes.

On September 16, a Petaluma police officer stopped a green Ford Ranger pick-up truck towing a utility trailer that contained approximately 20 sheep that were later reported missing from a Sonoma ranch.

Two brothers, Luis and Pedro Ortiz Orea, were arrested in the case. Luis Orea is a Petaluma resident while his brother resides in Santa Rosa.

The animals the Oreas are charged with stealing were sold at an out of county livestock auction, according to Tony King, a detective with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Rural Crimes Task Force.

“Cattle, especially medium sized cattle like sheep, are targeted because they bring in a lot of money and they’re easy to carry off,” King said.

A cow can fetch $1,500 to 1,800 at an auction, while a sheep can bring in $400-500.

King believes the Oreas may be tied to as many as a dozen other thefts in the area. Following a theft, the Rural Crimes Task Force puts out a call to all the county cattle yards and veterinarians, warning them to be on the lookout for stolen animals. Cattle rustlers know the drill, so most transport animals out of the county.

“We recommend that all ranchers brand, tattoo or chip their animals and not keep the feed right by the road,” King said. “And get to know your neighbors. If something doesn’t look right, report it to us right away.” The Rural Crimes Task Force can be reached at (707) 565-2995.