Not in cattle country it doesn’t. Many western states still have open range designated areas. No rancher can keep up 100’s of miles of fencing, 100% of the time. Cattle push old fenceposts over using them for scratching posts. And in treeless NoDak, every fencepost is a scratching post.
The laws in these states have long required ranchers to report stray cattle to the sheriff’s department so their brand can be identified and their owner notified. Not to mention that the owner might have notified the sheriff regarding missing cattle and their suspected whereabouts.
The Brossarts appear to have been engaging in a little opportunistic cattle rustling. Just hang on to the 3 cows until they’ve weaned the calves then mingle the calves with your own and brand them. You are now 3 calves richer and their mothers can be turned out on the side of the road to wander off again.
That's what I mean. That is an assumption not supported by anything in the article which brings up several questions.
Was there any contact with the Brossart's before arresting them for not reporting the strays? (nothing in the article) Is there a reasonable expectation that they would notice six cows on 3,000 acres? (nothing in the article) Is it usual to make an arrest for non-reportage of trespassing livestock? (nothing in the article) Has there ever been a previous incident wherein the Brossarts didn't report strays on their property and tried to keep them as their own? (nothing in the article)
Everything you said is all well and good but based on the article all of those questions are relevant and unanswered. I was born and raised in Colorado so trying to edumacate me on the etiquette and realities of ranch country isn't necessary.