New South Wales police charged four individuals with stealing a horse from Wiradjuri land in Dubbo after the mare went missing in April 2025. The Rural Crime Prevention Team (RCPT) executed search warrants in Dubbo and Tea Gardens, recovering two stolen horses and returning them to their owners. The accused, including two women and two men aged between 19 and 44, face charges under section 126 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) for stealing cattle—a term legally encompassing horses and other livestock—with penalties up to 14 years imprisonment.

Livestock theft is a growing problem in rural Australia, exacerbated by factors like low population density, limited law enforcement presence, and vast open spaces. Experts highlight that many farmers experience repeated thefts but often hesitate to report incidents, hindering crime prevention efforts. The RCPT, staffed by personnel with agricultural backgrounds, encourages reporting and supports farmers with practical theft reduction strategies. Emerging technologies such as smart ear tags and facial recognition for animals offer new hope in combating stock theft, which has caused significant financial losses across NSW and other states.