According to figures released to the Irish Farmers Journal by the Department of Agriculture, 59 cattle have been reported stolen from farms in the Republic of Ireland between 1 January and 9 June 2015.

Traditionally, the majority of the cattle thefts took place in the border region. However, the figures show that Co Cork has the highest rate of cattle thefts this year, with 17 animals stolen. After Cork, the next highest rate of rustling is in Monaghan, where 13 cattle were reported stolen. Donegal is next in line with six thefts reported.

The number of cattle stolen this year is on par with 2014. A total of 146 cattle were reported stolen from Irish farms between 1 January and 17 December last year, with the border region the primary area of activity.

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