If you think livestock have been stolen

1. Preserve the scene - don't disturb tire tracks or footprints.
2. Contact Local Law Enforcement immediately. Timely reporting is essential to a successful investigation.
3. Complete and submit a Stray/Stolen Report.

By Kansas law, stray animals must be reported to the county sheriff within 24 hours of first being noticed on your property. You may also notify the Brands Office of any missing, stray, or stolen animals.

Prevention Tips

•  Brand your livestock - still the best way to positively identify and track ownership
•  Visit your pastures often and county your livestock weekly
•  Keep written records of head counts, movements, and deaths, with dates
•  Lock and chain all gates and facilities; keep fences repaired
•  Pay attention to who's coming and going on and around your property; talk with neighbors and other producers regularly
•  Before traveling, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things
•  If you see something suspicious, report it to local law enforcement
•  Never try to stop a theft in progress. Stay away from the area and call your sheriff immediately

Relevant Kansas Statutes

Kansas statute addresses missing livestock

• Stock Running at Large - Article 1
• Strays - Article 2
• Marks and Brands - Article 4

Report Missing, Stolen, or Found Livestock

To report missing, stray, or stolen livestock — or if you've taken up a stray animal — submit a detailed report to your local sheriff and to KDA.Brands@ks.gov

• Stray/Stolen Report (Hard copy)
• Stray/Stolen Report (Fillable form to email)