The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word HERDED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
H
E
R
D
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D
More clues leading to the result HERDED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "treated like cattle?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case treated like cattle? = herded.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HERDED mean?
HERDED verb- To unite or associate in a herd; to feed or run together, or in company.
- To unite or associate in a herd
- To associate; to ally oneself with, or place oneself among, a group or company.
- To act as a herdsman or a shepherd.
- To form or put into a herd.