Abattoirs and livestock markets across Ireland have been put on alert after rustlers stole over 100 sheep in Co Sligo at the weekend.
The flock was taken in a truck from a field on a rented farm at Grayfield near Gurteen. Owner Brian Barber, who lives in Grange, has offered €1,000 for information leading to the recovery of the sheep.
The rustlers broke the lock of the gate from the road and took 105 animals, leaving 180 behind. They then replaced the damaged lock before they left.
The stolen sheep, a cross of Cheviots and Mayo horned ewes, were marked with three red spots on their left – one across the shoulder, one in the middle rib cage and the third on the hip. They also had a red stroke down the front shoulder on the right.
Anyone with information should contact Ballymote Garda station on 071 918 9500.
