NEWS

Cattle theft a huge embarassment for DARD
By Chris McCullough

DARD has been left embarrassed following a cattle theft incident in south Armagh where 33 animals infected with TB and some possibly with brucellosis were stolen from under the department's eyes.
It has also came to light that the owners of the cattle will not receive any compensation for the cattle while PSNI investigations are ongoing.
Many in the livestock industry have claimed the theft could put the welfare of Northern Ireland's entire livestock industry in jeopardy.
The whereabouts of the stolen cattle still remains a mystery and DARD refuses to give details on exactly what happened on Monday, October 5.
A DARD spokesman said: "The department is aware of this incident involving the theft of TB reactor cattle. We have informed the authorities in the south regarding the circumstances of the theft, and DARD portal offices have been notified.
"We are working closely with the PSNI to ensure that this incident is investigated thoroughly and consideration is being given as to how to avoid a recurrence of such behaviour.
"With regard to the matter of compensation for the stolen cattle, we cannot comment while the theft is still under investigation."
A PSNI spokeswoman said: "Police did receive two reports of cattle stolen on Monday, October 5. The first report was at 1pm and it was reported that 17 cattle were stolen from the Castleblayney Road area.
"The second report was made at 4.30pm the same day claiming that 16 cattle were stolen from a trailer on the Crossnenagh Road.
"Enquiries into both incidents are ongoing and it is therefore not appropriate to discuss the specifics of that investigation."

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October 16th 2009
October 9th 2009