Farmer whose ram was stolen urges others to be vigilant of livestock theft

The higher prices being paid for cattle and sheep is causing an increase in the theft of livestock, a Sligo farmer believes.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Sligo-based farmer TJ Keavney said he wants to highlight the prevalence of stolen livestock following the theft of his pedigree Suffolk ram lamb in recent weeks.

“I want to highlight the incidence of livestock getting stolen. With animals getting so dear, there has been an increase in it,” he said.

Despite extensive searching, as well as awareness of the incident being raised on social media and local media, there has been “no trace” of the February-born ram lamb.

Keavney thinks the ram, worth €1,100, was taken from the field it was in at Cloonnamanagh, Ballymote, Co Sligo, where it was with eight ewes, between 3 and 5 September.

Fenced

The Sligo farmer said it is unlikely the ram “went wandering” because it was in a field with eight ewes, which was fenced with sheep wire, and the two fields either side also contained ewes.

The ram lamb is noticeable as it has a 1cm-by-1cm notch in its ear. At the time it went missing, it had a harness with orange crayon on.

Keaveney described the animal as “a fine square lamb”.

The incident has been reported to gardaí and anyone with information is asked to contact them or the farmer in question.