Latest update January 30th, 2026 12:20 AM
Rupununi livestock producers sounds alarm on cattle rustling
(Kaieteur News) – The Rupununi Livestock Producers Association (RLPA) on Thursday called on law enforcement agencies and policymakers to partner more closely with livestock producers to strengthen security and tackle the long-standing problem of cattle rustling in the Rupununi.
The appeal came in a statement expressing condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Leon Baird, popularly known as “Rasta,” a 38-year-old cowboy from Wichabai Ranch in Region Nine who was found dead earlier this week. Kaieteur News previously reported that Baird’s burnt body was discovered inside a vehicle between Wichabai Ranch and Sand Creek Village on Sunday afternoon.
“We are deeply saddened and gravely concerned by this tragic loss. Rasta was a very active rodeo performer and a valued part of the extended family of our member, Wichabai Ranch. He was much more than a cowboy, he was an arena entertainer, a supporter of the rodeo community, and someone whose presence brought energy, passion, and spirit to our events. His contribution to the rodeo family and the wider livestock community will not be forgotten,” RLPA expressed.
The Association further disclosed that the loss of Baird was the result of “a heinous criminal act,” and the circumstances surrounding his death are deeply troubling. “Feedback from our members and community reports suggest that there has been an escalation in cattle rustling and related violence across the Rupununi. While investigations into this incident are ongoing, these reports continue to raise serious concerns about the safety and security of our ranchers and farming communities,” the Association said.
Dead, Leon ‘Rasta’ Baird
The Rupununi Livestock Producers Association noted that it stands firmly with its members and wishes to make it clear that they have “zero tolerance for cattle rustling” and all forms of violence associated with it. “We respectfully call on the relevant authorities to pursue all available leads and conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” they stated.
The statement continued, “We also urge law enforcement agencies and policymakers to work closely with livestock producers to strengthen security measures and address this long-standing challenge. Our farmers deserve to work without fear, and our communities deserve safety and justice.”
Close friends and colleagues of Baird had told this publication on Wednesday that Baird resided at the Wichabai Ranch and reportedly went missing on Friday (January 23). “We were searching for him from Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon the cow boys found him,” one of the colleagues related.
While they are still unclear as to what really transpired when he went missing and what led to his death, the colleagues noted that Baird was known to be the care taker of the animals at the ranch. They disclosed that before his death, Baird was missing some of the animals from the ranch and so they suspected that on Friday morning he left in search of the animals.
They also related to this newspaper that for years ranches have been dealing with the issue of cattle rustling which was reported to the police on numerous of occasions. “This rustling thing has been going on down here in the Rupununi for so many years and so many reports have been made to the police from ranches not just our ranch, villages, individuals and from the South Rupununi District Council for years, about the same people who are going around and killing animals and selling the meat to Lethem,” one of the colleagues explained.
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