GARDAÍ ARE APPEALING for witnesses after 18 cattle were stolen from a farm in Skibbereen, Co Cork.

A total of 12 Friesian heifers and 6 Friesian bulls, worth €30,000, were taken overnight between Sunday, 23 November and Monday, 24 November.

They are approximately one year old and were reported stolen from a farm yard in the Lakelands area.

The owner, Brian Lawlor, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that he didn’t immediately realise cattle were missing, as the people responsible were “clever”.

“They took all of the cattle from one pen but then, when they were finished stealing… they moved other cattle to fill that pen to make it look less obvious.”

Lawlor said he’s afraid the rustlers will return for more of the herd, which comprises around 200 cows.

“We’ve all heard stories of cattle going missing, but you’d never think that would come to your own door.”

The stolen cows were to be used for breeding. They were DNA tested, so Lawlor knew their Economic Breeding Index (EBI), or how much they were worth based on their traits. This means that they’re traceable.

Denis Drennan, President of the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) said the robbery is “highly unusual”.

“These animals are only one-year-old animals so they’re nowhere near fit for slaughter.”

The State’s Animal Information and Movement System (AIMS) requires all cattle to be tracked, and any relocation must get approval and then be noted on the system. 

Drennan said this means that in order to pull off the Skibbereen robbery, those responsible would not only need transporters for the stolen cattle, but an illegal abattoir to slaughter them, an illegal butcher, and a consumer willing to purchase unverified and untraceable beef.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have information to contact them.

Any persons, including road users who were travelling between the R637 road and the R593 road in the Lakelands, Skibbereen area overnight and who may have camera footage are asked to make this available to investigating gardaí.

Gardaí on the case can be contacted at Skibbereen Garda Station on 028 23088.