A local farmer, who wished to remain unnamed, told the Irish Farmers Journal that when word got out in the local community, the lambs were returned.

“The sheep were taken on the Monday and when people got word of the incident around the area, they were left back at different times on Wednesday and Thursday,” the farmer said.

“With lambs prices going well over the last few weeks, they have been a target for theft. This happens every year up here in Donegal and people must be aware of it.

"Farmers should be securing their premises and keeping an eye on their stock and their neighbours’ stock, just in case," the farmer continued.

The six lambs were stolen on Monday, 19 June, and the incident was reported to the Gardaí. The farmer insists that his land was thoroughly searched before themissing lambs were reported to Gardaí.

The incident has raised major discussion among locals over the issue rustling in the local area this week.

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Stolen lambs returned to Donegal farm

Six lamb that were reported missing, believed stolen, in east Donegal in recent days have been returned by the culprits.