Cattle owners needed to buy private property to keep their cattle because they needed a designated and secure area to graze, roam, and be sheltered. Public lands were often shared by multiple ranchers and could become overcrowded, leading to competition for resources and potential conflicts. By owning private property, cattle owners could ensure that their livestock had enough space, food, and water, and could also control access to their animals and prevent theft or trespassing. Additionally, owning private property provided the cattle owners with a sense of security and stability in their operations.
