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A Limerick farmer suspects thieves of stealing €14,000 in cattle and machinery since January 2019.
“Over €11,000 in machinery was stolen from me during the period from January to April 2019 while I was unwell in hospital,” Galbally drystock farmer Pat Dalton told the Irish Farmers Journal.
“A back-end loader, two sprayers, two transport boxes, a plough and a tractor were all stolen. I know the fellas who done it. They took advantage knowing I was away and wasn’t well enough to keep an eye on the farm.”
Recovery
Dalton’s tractor has since been recovered by gardaí, while the remaining machinery remains unaccounted for.
“The tractor was found 35 miles away in Thurles, but a truck was needed to recover it. The water pump and battery [were] taken out of it, so there was no way to drive home.
“About three weeks ago, I seen an ad looking to sell a back-end loader. I recognised it, so I got a friend to inquire about it and see if it was mine. It is and we’re in the middle of trying to recover it now too.”
Cattle theft
In March of 2020, Dalton reported five cattle missing, estimated to be worth nearly €3,000.
“For good measure, this year I’m dealing with another theft. Two black Polly cows and three weanlings were taken. Luckily I’ve been able to recover one of the weanlings so far.
“My Charolais weanling was spotted in July. I reported it to the Department and the gardaí. He was on another farm only nine miles away from home. The Department came out and took a DNA sample and the case was closed.”
On the lookout
Dalton has urged other farmers to be on the lookout for thieves during the Christmas period and to report suspicious activity in their area.
“I’m 69 years old. These fellas will come in and take whatever they want.”
“The guards haven’t done enough for me, no one has been prosecuted for any of these thefts. Where is it going to stop.
"Every week, I read the [Irish] Farmers Journal and if there isn’t a quad stolen, there’s a flock of sheep missing.”
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