The Manitoba government is providing funding for a dedicated RCMP officer to investigate livestock-related crimes, including cattle theft and fraud, as part of a new provincial livestock inspection initiative.
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced the initiative Thursday, saying the new position within the RCMP's General Investigative Section will strengthen enforcement and provide greater protection for Manitoba's livestock producers.
The initiative follows calls from Manitoba's beef industry for stronger investigative resources and is modelled after similar livestock inspection programs operating in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
A provincial release said the dedicated officer will work with producers and other law enforcement agencies to investigate livestock-related offences and enforce provincial legislation and the Criminal Code.
Manitoba RCMP statistics show 57 reported cases of cattle-related theft and fraud between 2021 and 2025.
Industry representatives say these crimes can result in significant financial losses while undermining confidence among lenders, investors, and buyers involved in livestock transactions.
“Cattle-related theft and fraud incidents are very detrimental and can adversely affect beef sector confidence at a time when there are efforts to grow Manitoba’s cattle herd,” said Arvid Nottveit, president, Manitoba Beef Producers.
The province said the investment is intended to improve coordination between producers and police, deter criminal activity, and support confidence in Manitoba's livestock industry.
The funding amount and timeline for filling the new position were not specified in Thursday's announcement.
