Livestock Security Warning Issued After 10 Heifers Stolen Near Cameron

CAMERON, TX — Local law enforcement and agricultural officials are urging Milam County ranchers to step up security measures following a brazen overnight cattle theft just outside the Cameron city limits, alongside a major multi-county auction fraud ring bust that recently targeted the area.

Ten Heifers Stolen Off County Road 260

The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) issued a regional crime watch warning following an active livestock theft investigation right here in Cameron.

According to TSCRA Special Ranger Brent Mast, ten heifers were stolen from a property off County Road 260. Investigators believe the theft occurred overnight between 7:00 p.m. on June 8 and 9:30 a.m. on June 9.

The missing livestock consists of eight black heifers and two black baldy heifers, with each animal weighing approximately 700 pounds. Local cattlemen are asked to look out for distinct identifying marks: all ten heifers have colored tags placed specifically in their left ears—eight carry yellow tags, one has a green tag, and one features an orange tag.

Anyone with information regarding the missing heifers or suspicious trailer activity on County Road 260 during those hours is strongly encouraged to call the TSCRA Operation Cow Thief tip line at (817) 916-1775. Information can be left anonymously.

Fraud Ring Targeted Local Livestock Auction

The direct theft comes on the heels of a massive, months-long multi-county investigation that ended with the arrest of a Texas couple accused of defrauding local sale barns, including the Milam County Livestock Auction in Cameron.

Douglas James Smith, 59, and Janay Monique Smith, 45, are both facing multiple third-degree felony charges for theft of livestock.

According to investigators, the pair operated a widespread fraudulent purchasing scheme across eight different auction markets in Central and Southeast Texas. The suspects allegedly bought more than $30,000 worth of cattle using closed bank accounts and worthless checks. Following an intensive sweep by TSCRA special rangers, Douglas Smith was apprehended by police in late June, and Janay Smith surrendered to authorities at the Jasper County Jail on June 29.

How to Protect Your Herd

With cattle market prices remaining near historic highs, agricultural law enforcement officials warn that local herds remain prime targets for modern rustlers.

"Unbranded cattle are the number one target for thieves," TSCRA officials noted in a recent security briefing. "Once an unbranded animal leaves a property, it becomes incredibly difficult to track and identify at a distant sale barn."

Because many livestock thefts occur on leased land or properties where the owners do not reside full-time, authorities are advising local producers to frequently check their fence lines, lock gate chains, and ensure all livestock carry a registered brand to deter theft and expedite recovery.