Garda hunt for cattle rustlers

Gardaí are investigating the reported theft of up to 30 cattle from a shed near Castleblayney in Monaghan. The cattle are believed to have been stolen from the Cullentraghbane area of Lisdoonan sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday, January 30-31.

Detectives are looking for the public’s assistance in relation to the thefts, asking on social media if members of the public saw anything suspicious or noticed anyone moving cattle. “Have you dashcam footage that may assist? This theft has caused a significant financial loss to the farmer,” the garda spokesperson said, asking anyone with information to contact Carrickmacross Garda Station at 042-9690190.

In July last year one black Limousin cow, two Charolais heifers and one black heifer were reported stolen from a farm in Cargaghoge, Co Monaghan. Back in 2020 a gang involved in operating illegal abattoirs was blamed for a spate of livestock thefts across the region, including 21 sheep stolen from a farm near Bailieborough.

The thefts followed the stealing of 25 cattle from a farm in Drumalish, near Castleblayney, and another reported theft north of the border in Newtownhamilton, Co Armagh, both in May, 2019.