A Donegal man has been charged with the theft of 100 animals, understood to be worth a total value of €107,300 from a farm in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath last year.

The Westmeath Independent has reported that 30-year-old Donegal man Barry Carr, with an address at Boeshill, Pettigo appeared before Judge Seamus Hughes at a sitting of Athlone District Court today, today (June 8).

Carr was charged with stealing nine cows, nine calves and 53 cattle with a total value of €100,000 from property of Niall Dillon between June 24 and 25, 2015.

Furthermore, it reports that he was charged with stealing four cattle and 25 mountain ewes with a value of €7,300, which were being held at Department of Agriculture property.

The Westmeath Independent said that bail was not opposed and Carr was remanded to appear before the court again on September 21 when a book of evidence will be served.

It is believed that this is the biggest cattle theft in the country’s history.

Speaking to Agriland on news of the charge, Christa Dillion, who owns the farm with her husband Niall, said that they are happy with the investigation and that the Gardai have been working very hard on the case.

Last October, she said that there is a corridor of lawlessness along the border and it is allowing the black market cattle rustling trade to thrive.

“To lose our livelihood in this way is unacceptable,” she said.