Gardaí in the midlands are investigating the theft of more than 30 cattle from three farms in the Portlaoise area last weekend.
The animals were taken during the night from farms at Rathleague and Ballymacken in Portlaoise, and from Cullahill mountain in Co Laois. In a statement issued yesterday, gardaí believe it was the same gang that carried out the three thefts.
"While it is quite an unusual crime it continues to happen and we are asking farmers to be on the alert," said Insp Liam Delaney, Portlaoise, yesterday.
He appealed to farmers, factory owners and butchers who were offered cheap cattle to contact them. The animals stolen include: five in-calf Friesian heifers, two maiden Friesian heifers and three maiden Aberdeen Angus heifers. Also stolen were two Friesian dry cows, an Aberdeen Angus bullock, and 21 Charolais and Limousin bullocks.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Garda at 0502 21105