NT producers are calling for the return of a police stock squad

Station owners are losing up to 10 animals a week to theft, Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association chief executive Ashley Manicaros said.

The thefts are costing station owners hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said.

In some cases, cattle are being slaughtered by hunters and used for bait to attract wild pigs, the association claimed.

He also said the issue of animal welfare could also be better policed by a stock squad.

"We believe a stock squad working closely with the Department of Primary Industry and resources animal welfare officers and stock inspectors is the best way for this to occur."

Mr Manicaros said it had been more than a decade since the stock squad existed in a dedicated form.

"We have been discussing with the NT Police Service about re-forming the squad to deal with what has been an increasing area of concern for NTCA members.

"Former Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw was extremely supportive of the notion and earlier this year he asked his senior commissioned officers to attend NTCA branch meetings to discuss the issue and what had to happen to make it a reality."

"Since then we have had further discussions looking at reporting practices of members and also the way police respond to the reports. When you start to add up the totals of the animals being lost on a regular basis then the prison terms also start to increase into the years."

Mr Manicaros said the type of theft occurring varied from region to region.

"In the Top End for example we've had reports where cattle have been slaughtered and left for bait for wild pigs - we know organised hunting competitions are strongly opposed to this behaviour - but weekend warrior hunters don't seem as concerned."

Katherine Times