A Co Westmeath couple have said they are shocked and devastated after the theft of 100 animals from their farm in Kilbeggan.
Niall and Christa Dillon had been building their herd for the last ten years and have described the theft as a "huge shock".
Mr Dillon arrived at the farm last Thursday afternoon to find the lock had been cut on the gate and the animals - 75 cattle and 25 sheep - had been removed.
The cattle included nine in-calf cows with calves at foot, eight whitehead heifers, four bullocks and 40 Limousin cross and Charolais cross animals aged between a year and 18 months.
While the farm is located close to the N6, it is also quite secluded.
Mr Dillon believes it would have taken a number of hours to steal the animals.
The Dillons are now appealing for anyone with information that may lead to the recovery of these animals to come forward.
The Irish Farmers' Association has offered a reward of €10,000 for anyone with any information that leads to the recovery of the livestock.
