Investigations have begun by An Garda Síochána into an incident where a lamb was slaughtered in a field earlier this week in Co. Sligo.

The remains of the lamb were found by the farmer yesterday (Thursday, March 4). Gardaí believe that the perpetrator has some butchering expertise.

Taking to social media yesterday in an appeal for information on the incident, Gardaí based in the Sligo/Leitrim area division said:

“Gardaí in Sligo are investigating an incident in which somebody slaughtered a lamb in a field last night. It appears to be a theft.

The farmer found the remains of the lamb, on the land this morning, just off the Bundoran Road in Sligo.

“This disturbing act was carried out by someone who has some expertise in butchering animals,” the Garda statement added.

In a message for farmers in particular, Gardaí said: “We are appealing to the farming community to be aware, and to report any suspicious activity on their lands.

“We are also appealing to anyone who has any information to this particular crime to make contact with your local Gardaí,” the statement concluded.

Sligo Garda Station can be contacted on: 071-9157000. Sheep and lamb theft has been a significant problem in recent times. This latest incident comes hot on the heels of the news that An Garda Síochána have reports of the thefts of 176 sheep in Co. Wicklow alone for the year 2020.