Posted by: thepinetree on 09/14/2012 07:31 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 09/14/2012 07:31 AM
Expires: 01/01/2017 12:00 AM
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Miniature Cattle Stolen
Fiddletown, CA...In early August, eight head of Miniature Highland Cattle were stolen from a Ranch in the Fiddletown area, 20 miles south of Placerville. The cattle were caught up in cattle pens and loaded onto a trailer. Unfortunately, two additional animals the thieves did not want were left in the pens in the 100+ degree weather and they died of dehydration before the rancher found them.
This is a rural community and cattle rustling is evidently not a thing of the past, although the Amador County Sheriff’s office says it only happens once or twice a year. What is ironic is that these cattle are a very rare, miniature breed. Ranchers Rick & Lin Sanders have spent over 20 years recreating what was once a very hardy subsistence animal in the Scottish Highlands and on the Western Islands of Scotland, 200 years ago. Cattle in that environment had to be extremely hardy.
Standard Highland Cattle are more prevalent and are known for their long hair, long horns and ancient appearance. Miniature Highland cattle are the same, but range from 35” to 42” at the back hip, whereas Standard Highland Cattle can range to over 50”.
“This is not your typical cow because they stand out in a herd. We believe that by getting the word out, someone will see them in a pasture or auction and hopefully let us know, so we can check it out. If someone sees some beautiful, short, hairy, boney and colorful cows that are new in an area, I hope they call us!”. Sanders also stated that the Amador County Sheriff’s office has an open case number of CR# 12081608.
A reward will be given for information leading to the recovery of the animals.
The Foothills television station TSPN interviewed Sanders on their noon Program and the following link gives further details about the theft and details about the breed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCCW2DKO23A&feature=plcp
Rick Sanders can be reached at 209-245-6973, rsanders@integritydm.com or www.minihighlandcattle.com
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