Gardaí in west Cork have confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that they are investigating the theft of five calves in the region.
The calves were stolen from two separate farms; one in Schull and the other in Ballydehob.
In Schull, two Friesian Holstein calves were stolen from a farm, while three more calves were taken from the farm in Ballydehob. It is understood that the calves stolen from the Ballydehob farm were of the Friesian and Angus breeds.
There has also been reports of calves being stolen in Skibbereen, although this has not been confirmed yet.
Local gardaí have sent out a text in the region, urging farmers to be vigilant and to keep an eye on their calves: “Three recent reports from Ballydehob, Schull and Skibbereen areas of calves being stolen. Pass on to farmers in your area and be vigilant.”
Vigilance
Farmers are being asked to keep an extra eye on calves and to keep a regular account of their stock numbers.
If farmers in the area notice any strange vans or jeeps with trailers, they are urged to contact their local Garda stations.
Figures from the Department of Agriculture show that, in 2016, 125 cattle were stolen in Ireland. This number was down by 40% on the year previous, when 209 cattle were reported stolen.
Rural crime: two-thirds of farmers are victims of crime
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