Increase in Livestock Theft in Panama

In the regions of Pacora, San Martín, Chepo, Río Chico, and the Unión Santeña de Chimán, in eastern Panama, an increase in livestock theft has been recorded in the last month. Livestock farmers in the area point out that residents do not comply with the mobility restrictions imposed by the Government to contain COVID-19 infections, which has triggered a wave of thefts on livestock farms.

Recently, rustlers carried out the theft and sacrifice of two heifers from Hacienda San José in Río Chico, causing considerable losses. Nicolás O’Hara, manager of the ranch, has expressed his concern, detailing that criminals are taking advantage of the pandemic curfew to enter illegally and slaughter livestock.

In response to the thefts, the movement of animals at Hacienda San José has been restricted and production has been reduced by 70%. This problem has also affected Ganadera T. A.D. in Chepo, where a Brahman cow was slaughtered on March 29.

Rustlers operate during the day, entering as hunters of wild animals and then breaking down farm fences to identify and mark livestock that will be slaughtered at night. They use rifles to kill the animals and later dismember them in improvised tents, leaving the viscera buried and taking the meat, which represents a health risk for human consumption.

Ranchers have found remains of these stores on their properties and have warned about the risk of consuming this meat since it is unknown if the cattle were sick or if they received treatments harmful to humans. Given this situation, the National Cattlemen’s Association has requested police reinforcement in productive areas and an investigation into the illegal marketing chain of this meat.