It is believed that the sheep went missing around 1 October, according to Niamh Byrne, who owns the farm.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, she said: “It’s a huge loss for us because 50 lambs are missing and we don’t have them for sale now. There were 25 ewes taken and they would have had a lamb each in the spring so realistically that’s another 25 we have lost.”

Byrne, who noticed the missing sheep when they were taken in to be separated and counted, said she believes the sheep were taken through a neighbour’s yard.

“We could tell because the ground was flattened and there was a lot of wool on the fence. The poles of the fence were also damaged. We have taken videos and sent them to the gardaí who are now looking into the case,” Byrne said.

The breed

Jacob sheep are a distinctive breed with brown and white wool and a brown stripe down their face. They look somewhat like goats. Byrne believes they are easily identifiable and would be spotted at marts around the country.

If anyone has any information, they can contact Blessington Garda Station in Wicklow on 045 865202.

€2,000 reward for stolen sheep return

Fifty sheep stolen from Wicklow farm

Fifty Jacob sheep have gone missing and are presumed stolen from a farm in Ballintober, Hollywood, Co Wicklow.