Who is stealing cows (and it is cows only; I once heard my city-bred best friend use the term "male cows") throughout greater Mayberry?
Andy and Barney are on the case!
Once again, Mayor Stoner is exercised, acting as if he bosses around a county-wide elected Sheriff. But no TV shows are altogether consistent, nor accurate.
As for Stoner's jurisdiction, sometimes these small, southern towns have far-flung borders. Not having a map of Mayberry before me, I can't say. But in towns like Mayberry (and its county) half the population is related to each other and the other half to someone else. Mayors like Stoner have to show concern in more than just their own jurisdictions to be reelected, to keep families satisfied with him.
The conclusion is surprising and hilarious. I've watched this episode dozens of times and I never weary of it.