Cattle rustling bust: Joshua Abbott and Daniel Wood released on bail after court appearances in Carnarvon

A well-known livestock agent and a livestock buyer charged as part of WA’s biggest alleged cattle rustling bust have been released on $10,000 bail. Joshua Abbott and Daniel Wood appeared before the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court this morning, and were not required to enter a plea. They were charged in connection to the rural crime squad’s Operation Topography investigation, which involves the theft of 803 cattle worth more than $800,000. Mr Abbott is set to reappear before the Carnarvon court on May 17. He is charged with two counts of alleged stealing and one count of alleged property laundering, after allegedly stealing cattle and selling them for approximately $60,000. It is understood Mr Abbott had been working for Central Stockcare, which owns Minnie Creek Station at West Lyons River in the Upper Gascoyne, and a feedlot at Badgingarra. Minnie Creek station borders Mangaroon station, which had some of its cattle stolen. Central Stockcare’s website was inactive last week but is now live again, with no mention of Mr Abbott among team member profiles. Mr Wood, who had been working for Nutrien, appeared before the Carnarvon court this morning on five counts of alleged “receiving, possessing, concealing, disposing of or dealing with any money or property”. Mr Wood is scheduled to appear before the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court again on June 21. Nutrien has removed Mr Wood’s profile from its website. Mr Wood plans to defend the charges. Mr Abbott and Mr Wood are among five people charged as part of the investigation into what police say is an established criminal network involved in the theft and subsequent sale of cattle across WA. Police say the criminal networks are made up of individuals and companies linked to the business of cattle including aerial and ground musterers, livestock trucking companies, truck drivers, stock agents and feedlots. Others charged so far include Steve McDowall, who is scheduled to appear before the Karratha Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, on four counts of stealing as a servant and four counts of property laundering. Richard Arends and his partner Rachael Third of Edmund Station were also charged. They are scheduled to appear before the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court on April 12 to face six charges of stealing, six charges of property laundering and one of receiving. Police have said investigations are ongoing and further charges will be laid.