Number of livestock thefts on Irish farms on the increase

A new campaign to combat livestock theft is being launched today.

It follows a significant rise in the number of animal thefts from farms across the country.

Members of the Gardaí, Crimestoppers and the Irish Farmers Association have joined forces to launch a new national campaign aimed at reducing animal thefts from farms around Ireland.

It is being rolled out in an effort to increase the detection rates for the theft of cattle and sheep from Irish farms.

It also aims to provide advise to livestock owners on the best possible ways to combat this type of crime.

Representatives from all three bodies will attend the launch event in Dublin from 10.30am this morning.

Tim Dalton, Chairman of Crimestoppers said he hopes the campaign will prove as successful in tackling livestock theft as other forms of crime.

IFA President Eddie Downey said, “The theft of cattle and sheep is a real issue for farmers. Apart from the financial loss, the trauma inflicted on farm families leaves them very vulnerable and stressed. This is something that comes up repeatedly at IFA County Executives around the country.”

He continued, “We are taking this initiative with the Gardai and Crimestoppers and putting up a reward of €10,000, to get significant information that will lead to the arrest and charge of individuals in connection with livestock theft.”