Members of An Garda Síochána have begun investigations into the theft of a number of pedigree Charollais rams from a field in Co. Laois last week.
The animals are believed to have been stolen from a field near Clonaslee, near the Laois-Offaly border, at some point between St. Patrick’s Day (Wednesday, March 17) and Friday (March 19).
In an appeal for information relating to the theft, Gardaí based in the Laois-Offaly region took to social media to say:
Mountmellick Gardaí are investigating the theft of seven pedigree Charollais rams from a field off the Brittas Road in Clonaslee between last Wednesday, March 17, and Friday, March 19, 2021.
“If you have any information that may assist us or know of there whereabouts please contact us.”
Anyone with information relating to the matter is asked to get in touch with Portlaoise Garda Station on: 057-8674100.
Sheep theft has been an ongoing issue around the country in recent times. Earlier this year, a farmer in Co. Wicklow had 44 in-lamb ewes taken in an overnight raid.
Last month, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) sheep chairman Sean McNamara warned that his organisation is “receiving more reports of sheep rustling than ever before”.