‘Cattle cop’ dedicated to tackling livestock theft coming to Manitoba RCMP
Posted October 8, 2026 4:41 pm.
Last Updated October 8, 2026 8:04 pm.
There’s a new position coming to the RCMP, and they’re calling it “the cattle cop.”
The province says the person will be dedicated to cracking down on livestock theft, with the goal of protecting farmers and help get their stolen animals back.
“The price of a calf or a cow has gone through the roof. And that means that it’s lucrative for organized crime and for sophisticated criminals,” said Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe.
RCMP say 57 livestock theft incidents were reported between 2021 and 2025. And with cattle prices climbing, the province says thieves have more incentive to strike.
“They’re taking advantage of that and by having a presence out in rural Manitoba, we’re going to impact rural safety more broadly, but specifically support the industry in a bunch of different ways,” Wiebe said.
The new investigator will be based in western Manitoba, focusing on livestock theft, fraud and related crimes across the province. But with just one dedicated officer, questions remain about how far the position can reach.
“They’re going to have the ability to have a presence in different areas of the province supported by our regional districts,” said Minister Wiebe. “But of course, what they’re focused on in many cases are the auctions, are the places where these cattle are being bought and sold. And again, their knowledge when it comes to investigations is going to lead them where they need to be.”
Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says the impact of losing livestock goes far beyond money.
“I was a farmer, rancher for 40 years of my life,” Kostyshyn said. “To lose a calf, whether it wasn’t the fault of us due to circumstances that were not good, but usually, to see cattle get rustled or stolen, it has a very uncomfortable feeling.”
RCMP say the cattle cop will also help educate other officers across Manitoba about agricultural crime. Right now there is no timeline for when the officer will be on the job.
