Ranchers in Hato Mayor urge government action against cattle theft

Hato Mayor.- Ranchers in Hato Mayor, including the owners of Hacienda Alejandra in Mata de Palma, are calling on President Luis Abinader and National Police Director Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta to address the rising wave of cattle theft affecting the livestock sector.

Rhina Echavarría Souffront reported that 26 of her cattle were stolen on February 4, while her father, Jhon Echavarría Fuentes, lost 12 cattle last year. She noted that other ranchers in the area have also been targeted. The theft was discovered when a farm worker failed to locate the missing livestock despite searching nearby pastures.

Echavarría emphasized that continued theft threatens rural investment, forcing honest farmers to sell off their livestock and land. While police investigations are ongoing, no significant progress has been made in recovering the stolen cattle or identifying those responsible.