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In the years between 2019 and 2024, there were over 3,000 animals reported as stolen in Northern Ireland, with a growing concern over a connection to organised crime. The majority of these stolen animals were farm animals, such as sheep and cattle, with rural council areas like Mid Ulster and Causeway Coast and Glens being the most affected. Police emphasized the high value of livestock, suggesting that many of the livestock theft cases may have ties to organized crime and cross-border criminality. The Ulster Farmers’ Union echoed these sentiments, pointing out the level of planning required to steal large numbers of animals as indicative of organized crime involvement.
Superintendent Johnston McDowell, the PSNI Rural and Wildlife Crime lead, highlighted ongoing efforts to combat animal thefts, including collaboration with An Garda Síochána from the Republic of Ireland. John McCleneghan from the UFU emphasized the increasing value of livestock as a motivation for criminals, urging farmers to implement security measures like tagging, locks, regular checks, CCTV, and tracking devices to deter theft. Despite these precautions, the financial burden on farmers in tough times is acknowledged.
In a specific incident in January 2024, farmer Dermot Mullan had 50 lambs stolen near the village of Park in Londonderry, leading to a substantial financial loss and impact on his family’s mental health. Mullan described the theft as a well-planned operation involving significant effort to remove the sheep undetected. He stressed the personal attachment farmers have to their animals, underscoring the emotional toll of such thefts. Mullan also noted a reluctance among some farmers to report thefts due to fear and stigma, highlighting the need to address and raise awareness of the issue.
The PSNI advised farmers and animal owners to take security measures such as securely closing gates at night, locking livestock-holding outbuildings, checking security equipment functionality, and microchipping or tagging animals for easier recovery if stolen. The Department of Agriculture expressed grave concern over rural crime, particularly the theft of farmed animals, emphasizing the threat posed to farmers’ livelihoods and the integrity of the food traceability system. The department reiterated its commitment to taking farm animal theft seriously and ensuring the safety and quality of food production
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