A cow which had been reported stolen on 15 October 2019 was found one week later in a nearby meat processing plant.

Longford farmer James McNally told the Irish Farmers Journal that neighbours had seen thieves driving a Black Toyota Land Cruiser and Ifor Williams trailer take his Limousin cow from his land in Gurteen, Ballymahon.

“The cow drew neighbours attention as she was calling for her five-month-old calf which had been left behind in the field. The cow had been scanned and was expecting twins,” McNally said.

“At the time I offered a reward for her return but, unfortunately, she turned up the next week in a nearby meat processing plant.”

BSE test

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told the Irish Farmers Journal that proceedings have been instigated against a male who is due to appear before Longford District Court at a later date.

“My cow was identified by comparing a DNA sample we had on record with the DNA sample taken from the cow during BSE testing at the factory,” McNally continued.

“I only found out what had happened in January 2020. It has taken a long time to put the case together but the court date is coming soon.”

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