Figures from the Department of Agriculture show that Limerick and Laois recorded the highest numbers of cattle thefts so far this year with 22 and 15, respectively. Galway and Cavan had one animal stolen in each county to date.

The 15 cattle in Laois, consisting of 11 continentals and four forward stores, were stolen from the one farm in Ballyroan. Owner of the cattle, Kieran Keegan, suspects they were taken by lorry from their pens in the shed.

Another 15 were stolen from lands in Castletroy, Co Limerick, last month

“There were the four stores in one pen and 11 cattle in a different pen, and those two pens were empty. You could see the hoof marks on the passageway where they must have been loaded on to a lorry or something,” he told the Irish Farmers Journal last month. Another 15 were stolen from lands in Castletroy, Co Limerick, last month. The farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he hasn’t heard any news about the cattle since they were taken.

“Both incidents remain under investigation,” a garda spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“The incident in Co Laois occurred on 15 February 2020 at approximately 5pm. Abbeyleix gardaí continue to investigate.

“Gardaí in Henry Street continue to investigate the incident from Castletroy, Co Limerick that occurred on 2 February 2020 at approximately 10pm.

“No arrests have been made in connection with either incident,” the garda spokesperson said.

Report everything

IFA deputy president Brian Rushe has urged farmers to report any crimes on the farm to gardaí.

It’s important to liaise with the local gardaí

“I can’t overemphasise the importance of reporting immediately. It’s important to liaise with the local gardaí and to look at making small changes in your own yard [to deter thieves],” he told the Irish Farmers Journal.

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