Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said a Bossier Parish man was arrested for theft of livestock Nov. 12 by Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputies and LDAF Brand Commission enforcement officers.

Saryan Joseph Dotson, 26, of Winfield Road, Haughton, was arrested after he sold 36 head of cattle he did not own to a Desoto Parish buyer.

According to Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office reports, Dotson wrote a bill of sale for $2000 for 36 head and the purchaser transported 21 animals to Desoto Parish. Later in the day, the rightful owner stopped by the pasture to check his herd as the buyer was loading the remaining cattle into livestock trailers. 

The owner contacted law enforcement and an investigation by the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office and LDAF Livestock Brand Commission enforcement officers revealed Dotson did not own the cattle. Dotson was subsequently arrested.

The would-be buyer cooperated fully with law enforcement and all 21 head were recovered.

“Since this herd did not have any identifying markings like ear tags or brands the cattle owner was lucky he drove up when he did,” Strain said. “Otherwise, the chances of recovering this herd would have been slim.”

Strain advised all livestock owners to maintain good records and ensure their animals have proper identification markings like brands or ear tags.

Strain also urged livestock owners to report any possible thefts to the LDAF Crimestoppers hotline at 1-800-558-9741.

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