Modern-Day Cattle Rustlers Still Thieving in Texas.

What happened to cattle rustlers?

Following the transition from the open range to fenced ranches, rustling gradually was lessened by efforts of local officers, the Texas Rangers, and inspectors of cattlemen's associations, who checked brands as cattle were sold at livestock markets.

Can you still hang in Texas for stealing cattle?

The Texas House Tuesday unanimously voted to enhance penalties for theft of livestock. Current law punishes cattle thieves with a third-degree felony, which is punishable by as much as 10 years in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000 if they steal more than 10 head of cattle, horses or exotic livestock.