A Kerry farmer is appealing for information from the public after a miniature mare and foal were stolen from his lands overnight.
John Mullins told Agriland that the grey Falabella mare with a brown and white foal at foot were taken sometime between 10:00p.m last night (Tuesday, August 13) and 8:00a.m today (Wednesday, August 14).
He said that the pair were kept in a well-fenced field on the farm in the Caragh Lake area of mid-Kerry with a secure gate so would not have broken out.
Mare and foal
Mullins said that he discovered the mare and foal were missing when he noticed the gate to the field which is off the entrance road to the farm was open this morning.
He said that the miniature horses were not visible from the road and believes those responsible may have come onto the farm with the intention of stealing other horses.
The farmer explained that the mare and young foal were only bought last week in Killarney as pets for his children whom he said will be devastated by the incident.
He said that the foal is very distinctive as it has two blue (wall) eyes.
The Falabella is one of the smallest breeds of horse in the world and was developed in Argentina.
Mullins has reported the theft to local gardaí in Killorglin and has appealed to anyone with information or who may have noticed anything suspicious in the area overnight to come forward.
The farmer added that a reward is being offered for the safe return of the animals.
Theft
Meanwhile, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in Fermanagh is appealing for information after a number of items, including a quad and a scrambler were stolen from a farm shed.
The theft occurred overnight on Wednesday, August 7 when a farm shed on the Trillick Road, Ballinamallard was broken into and a number of items were stolen.
These items included a white Banshee quad, a yellow and black Suzuki scrambler, a Honda petrol power washer and a quad trailer, among other items were taken.
Police in Antrim are also investigating the separate theft of farm equipment from the Templepatrick area which occurred between 10:00p.m on Wednesday, August 7 and 7:00a.m on Thursday, August 8.