18 Cattle Stolen in €30,000 Heist in West Cork Farm Theft

UPDATE: In a shocking incident, 18 Friesian cows valued at €30,000 were stolen from a farm near Skibbereen, West Cork, on Sunday night. The Gardaí are currently investigating the theft, which farming experts describe as “unusual” and “very risky.”

This brazen act of cattle rustling raises urgent questions about the safety of livestock in the area. Brian Lawlor, the victim of the theft, expressed his fears that the thieves might return for his remaining 200 cattle. “They moved other cattle to fill the pen they emptied, making it less obvious,” Lawlor told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

Denis Drennan, president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), emphasized the complexity of offloading stolen cattle. “You need a well-oiled machine to handle this,” he stated. Despite the high value of the cattle, Drennan noted that their young age—between 12 and 14 months—makes them unsuitable for immediate slaughter, complicating the thieves’ plans.

Experts suggest that the stolen cattle may end up in illegal markets, potentially leading to health risks for consumers. “If someone tried to sell me these animals, I couldn’t even take them for free,” Drennan warned. The stringent Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) system in place makes it difficult for criminals to sell stolen livestock legally.

Following the theft, the farming community is on high alert. Drennan noted that such large-scale thefts are exceptionally rare, with only a few cases reported in recent years. “This crime requires sophisticated planning, including transportation and access to illegal abattoirs,” he explained.

The impact of this theft on Lawlor’s business is devastating, especially as milk prices are already in freefall. “Walking to the shed every morning, unsure if the thieves will strike again, is a tremendous loss,” Drennan added.

The Gardaí are appealing for public assistance in their investigation. Anyone with information regarding this theft is urged to come forward. As the investigation unfolds, the farming community remains vigilant, hoping for the swift recovery of the stolen cattle.

This incident underscores the challenges farmers face in protecting their livestock and highlights the ongoing battle against agricultural crime in Ireland. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.