At the farm gate where the cattle were stolen was farmer Anthony Duffy (left) and Matthew McGreehan, Louth IFA Chairman
The Louth Branch of the Irish Farmers’ Association have expressed concern at the increase in the number of cattle raids in the county at present.
The IFA have released a statement encouraging people in rural areas to be vigilant to deal with what they describe as a “serious problem”.
Local farmer Anthony Duffy of Doolargy, Ravensdale had five bullocks stolen from him, between the late hours of Tuesday July 8th and the early hours of the Wednesday July 9th. The bullocks had consisted of two Charolais, two Aberdeen Angus and one black Hereford. The cattle were valued at approximately €7,500.
Anthony had checked the cattle at 10.30pm on Tuesday night and also 8am on Wednesday morning. When he arrived that morning the cattle were gone. The cattle were due to go to the factory the coming Friday.
Anthony said: “The thieves had prised the gate open and put it back so people wouldn’t notice. It’s becoming a major problem all over the country but especially in the border counties. They suspect that my cattle were brought to illegal abattoirs and are more than likely slaughtered by now.
“It is a huge loss to any farmer to lose cattle after looking after them for two years,” he said.
The farmer had no insurance that covered the theft – up until recently no insurance company offered this – but FBD are now offering an insurance policy which covers theft of livestock.
Louth IFA Chairman Matthew McGreehan said in a statement: “The Garda, PSNI and departments on each side of the border are going to have to cooperate more to deal with this serious problem.
“I hope to also meet with the local Superintendent to discuss this matter. I also ask for local people especially in rural areas to be vigilant and to raise an alarm if they see or suspect suspicious activity. If anyone in the area had seen anything please report it to the Gardaí or County Chairman.”
