Cattle rustlers steal only hind quarters from Okanagan ranch

• WARNING: This story contains a graphic image of a dead cow

ColdstreamRanch in the North Okanagan region of B.C. says someone is shooting cattle on their range land and cutting off the hindquarters for meat.

Since September ranch hands havefound three of their cattle shot,according to Pete Wise, who patrols range land for the ranch.

"It's really sadbecause here I amon the road and I've got half a cow sitting here," he said.

"I know the cow was healthy because I was up here last night in the eveningand the cow was standing on the side of the road looking at me."

Two of the carcass are missing the hindquarters.The ranch is also missing two calvesaccording to Wise, who believes the culprits are taking the cattle for meat.

"It's actually rustling, is what it is," he said. "It's very difficult to catch these guys and this is where we need public help."

Wise thinks the culprits may also be poaching wildlife.

"If they are doing this with cows, you can rest assured these guys are poaching as wellthey are taking moose; they are taking deer," said Wise.

They are just throwing them in the back of vehicles and they're gone.So these guys need to get out of here. We need to get rid of them."

The ranch is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads theRCMPto those responsible.