Man Arrested as 18 Stolen Cattle Recovered in West Cork

URGENT UPDATE: A man in his 30s has been arrested following the recovery of 18 stolen cattle in West Cork. The cattle, including 12 Friesian heifers and 6 Friesian bulls, were taken in a brazen raid worth an estimated €30,000 from a farm in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen late on November 24, 2023.

Authorities report that specialized units from the gardaí, including the Serious Crime Units from Clonakilty, Bandon, and Bantry, collaborated with the Divisional Search Team and the Department of Agriculture to conduct a thorough search in the nearby Ballydehob area. Their efforts led to the successful retrieval of the stolen livestock yesterday.

The detained suspect is currently being held at a garda station in Co Cork under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Gardaí confirmed that the cattle have now been returned to their rightful owner, bringing relief to the local farming community.

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of agricultural crime in rural areas, raising concerns among farmers about the security of their livestock. The swift action by law enforcement underscores their commitment to tackling such crimes.

As investigations continue, authorities urge anyone with information related to the theft or similar incidents to come forward. This story is developing, and further updates are expected in the coming days.

Stay tuned for more updates on this case as more details emerge.