Cattle rustling is the act of stealing cattle. It often takes place at night, and poses problems for law enforcement because it can take several days for loss of cattle to be realised and reported.
History of cattle rustling
In America's Wild West, cattle and horse rustling by Native Americans was a major hazard for settlers. This was both for food, and as to disrupt settlement.
Mexican rustlers were a major issue during the Civil War, with the Mexican government being accused of condoning the habbit. Texans likewise stole cattle from Mexico, swimming them across the Rio Grande. These cattle were called 'wet stock'.
Failure to brand new calves facilitated theft
The transition from open range to fenced grazing gradually reduced the practice of rustling.
In the 20th century so called 'suburban rustling' became more common, with rustlers anesthetizing cattle and taking them directly to auction.