The following is a press release from the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association:
Bismarck, N.D. ~ A man from Camono Island, Wash., has donated an additional $1,000 to the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association reward fund for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting 13 cows and a calf in a Richland County pasture near Hankinson, N.D., on May 17.
Richard Clise of Camono Island, Wash., is not a rancher himself, but has family with ranching interests. He learned of the crime through an online beef industry newsletter and said he hopes his donation will entice those who know details of the case to step forward and “do the right thing.”
The NDSA has a standing reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person stealing, butchering or shooting cattle, horses or mules in North Dakota. The reward fund has an 83-year history. Western North Dakota cattle ranchers established the fund at the organization’s inaugural meeting in June 1929.
Clise’s donation brings the reward offering for the Hankinson case to up to $2,000.
“We are grateful for Mr. Clise’s generous donation,” said NDSA Brand Board Chairman Steve Brooks, a rancher from Bowman, N.D. “We are hopeful that the increased reward will entice people to help us bring whoever is responsible for this senseless livestock crime to justice. The NDSA is committed to protecting the state’s livestock producers and their livelihood.”
NDSA East River Fieldman Fred Frederikson of Carrington, N.D., is assisting Richland County Sheriff Larry Leshovsky in the investigation. Frederikson, NDSA West River Fieldman Cody Cadwell of Grassy Butte and NDSA Chief Brand Inspector Stan Misek of Bismarck are licensed peace officers and are part of a broader statewide brand inspection team that identifies and verifies animals’ owners through the examination of marks and brands.
If you have any information about the Richland County case, contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Office at (701) 642-7711 or Frederikson at (701) 290-3993. If you have information regarding other livestock-related crimes, contact the NDSA at (701) 223-2522.
Source: North Dakota Stockmen’s Association
Posted by Haylie Shipp
