You are correct. I think the punishment does not fit the crime. However if you show up on my property in the middle of the night I have to assume you are not there to sell me cookies. I know where I live and you know where you live.
There have been many worse thefts recently in the business world costing billions.
Throw these guys in jail and I’ll turn the key.
I guess he didn’t have the right political connections.
You turn the key and you solely pay for his keep for the next 99 years without recourse, until the ranchers are fully compensated and punitive measures exercised.
Ranch economics frequently rely on some of that stock being used as food for the ranchers. If the economy continues the downward spiral, the rustling might well cost lives.