Two men have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of cattle from a Chilton County pasture.

Alexander South, 18, of Clanton, was charged with third-degree criminal trespassing, attempt to commit theft of property, and second-degree theft of property.

Like South, John Vines, 28, of Pleasant Grove, was arrested on the victim’s property during the early morning hours Monday. Vines was charged with criminal trespassing.

The two suspects were caught with a pickup truck and cattle trailer in the pasture where previous thefts had occurred.

The pasture is located off County Road 55, near the intersection with County Road 607.

The property owner last week realized some of his SimAngus bred cows were missing. He later realized more cattle were missing and filed a report with the Sheriff’s Office.

The arrests were the result of the property owner noticing a vehicle on his property and calling law enforcement authorities.

“We’ve been working with the department of agriculture, who also offered assistance in the case,” Chilton County Sheriff Kevin Davis said. “It’s still an ongoing investigation.”

Six cows were stolen. Because half of that number was pregnant and the cows have an estimated value of $2,000 each, the owner lost between $15,000-$20,000.

Because of the thefts, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association has sent out a notice that it will pay a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone stealing or destroying cattle belonging to an association member.

The association, which is based in Montgomery, can be reached at (334) 265-1867.