Livestock theft a concern for farmers

More livestock are being stolen during thefts on average, but the total number of livestock theft incidents has declined.

Between July 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026, the average number of livestock stolen during thefts reported to police was 59.

Meanwhile, the number for the corresponding period in 2024-25 was 31.

A farmer from Ringarooma, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had a considerable number of cattle stolen from his property.

“It is hard enough for farmers in the present times of uncertainty to make a living without someone stealing their livestock,” the farmer said.

Tasmania Police said it was investigating the matter, but no arrests had been made.

“It is believed the cattle may have been removed from the property and transported from the area by vehicle,” police said.

“Scottsdale Police are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area during this time, including unfamiliar vehicles, stock trucks or trailers, or unusual movement of livestock.”

Another farmer at St Mary’s had their livestock stolen.

Police said a landholder has reported to police that eight cattle have gone missing from farm paddocks on three separate occasions, between early January and mid-June this year, with the livestock valued at around $17,000.

“In the first incident, it is reported that an Angus steer was stolen from a paddock sometime between 6 January and 15 January.

“In the second incident, two Angus heifers were believed stolen sometime between January 22 and 3 February.

“And in the third incident, five Angus cows in-calf were believed stolen sometime between April 20 and June 8.

“All cattle are black, with yellow ear tags with the name Killymoon on them and individual details, and a white NLIS ear tag.”

Tasmania Police data show there were 11 reports of livestock theft offences across Tasmania from July 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.

During that period, 644 animals were reported stolen, with sheep accounting for more than two-thirds of that number.

This compares with 26 reports of livestock theft offences and 797 animals stolen in the corresponding period for 2024-25, with sheep and lambs accounting for 734 of those stolen.

Tasmania Police said it works with rural industry groups, landholders and farmers to address reported incidents of livestock and property theft.

“While there are active investigations, including into isolated cattle theft in the North East and East Coast, it should be noted that livestock theft is not commonplace.

“Tasmania Police reminds the community that rural properties can be targeted due to their isolation, and offenders may take advantage of large properties where stock are not checked routinely.

“Maintaining regular contact with neighbours and reporting anything out of the ordinary can play an important role in preventing this type of offending.”

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said theft in regional areas had always been an issue.

“Livestock theft requires a specific skill set,” Mr Calman said.

“Removing the cattle in a way that isn’t detectable and changing the tags or having a sale point for them is quite a sophisticated thing to do.”

Mr Calman said it was important that the neighbourhood watch principle was in place in regional communities.

“Neighbours will often notice strange behaviour before the landholder does.

“Theft in rural areas is a difficult thing to police because police can’t be everywhere all the time.

“But neighbours can have eyes out for different people.”

Thieves were even using drones to stake out potential properties to rob, according to Mr Calman, and he said that theft of farm equipment was still an issue.