More News on Livestock and the Floods

The "bush telegraph" will be one of the most important ways Queensland's graziers will attempt to recover thousands of cattle washed from their home properties by floods.

 

news.ninemsn.com.au has reported that some cattle have been washed kilometres downstream in the raging floodwaters, many have sought refuge on islands surrounded by the floods while others have merely walked away over flattened fences (or as locals have reported to Horsezone - walked out of the Fitzroy River into suburban areas of Rockhampton).

 

Some are unbranded "cleanskins" and herds have become mixed up with neighbours' cattle.

 

Horses, sheep and pigs are also far from their home ranges.

 

"The bush telegraph is one way people are able to recover or find owners of stock," a statement from Queensland police said.  "It is recommended that the public uses this valuable resource by letting as many people as they can know of stock they are missing or 'strangers' that have been located."

 

Police said if branded animals are located, people may be able to find the owners through the Queensland brands database on the internet.

 

Those finding stock can also utilise the National Livestock Identification System.

 

Police said they would investigate any complaint of stock theft and encouraged people to report suspicious or illegal activities.