Natchitoches Man Allegedly Sold Calf Born To Stray

Louisiana's agriculture commissioner says a 55-year-old Natchitoches man is accused of selling a calf born to a stray cow that wandered into his pasture, and has been booked with livestock theft.

Commissioner Mike Strain says the stray's owner had told James W. Kelly that his pregnant cow was in Kelly's pasture, and asked permission to come get her. According to Strain, Kelly promised to return the stray when he penned his herd, but returned the cow in September without her calf. Strain says the calf allegedly was sold in August.

Strain says Kelly was charged with livestock theft and released on bond.