[ARTICLE] Cow butchered in Tipperary field

GARDAÍ ARE investigating the slaughter and theft of the carcass of a four-year-old cow from a farm near Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary this week.

They are investigating the incident which took place in an isolated field at Clonalisk, Knockearl, Cloughjordan, early on Tuesday morning.
They released details of the crime which was uncovered by the owner of the farm. He found only the head and innards of the animal in the field.
Gardaí said the head had been removed but there was no trace of the carcass, leading them to believe the animal may have been killed for its meat.

It is suspected those who carried out the crime had knowledge of what they were doing as the animal had been bled before being butchered.
“It was an absolutely despicable act. Whoever did this knew what they were at,” said Sgt Pat Curran of Nenagh Garda station.

He said gardaí were anxious to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area either on Monday night or early on Tuesday.
They are seeking information on any vehicles which may have been seen in the area that night, as it would have been difficult to remove the carcass without transport.

It is understood the farmer spotted the animal was missing when he saw the other cows in the field in a frightened state. He later made the gruesome discovery of the head and entrails.
While the theft of live animals from farms happens fairly frequently, there are no known reports in recent times of an animal being killed and butchered on the spot.

A spokesman for the Irish Farmers Association last night issued a warning to farmers to be on the alert to prevent any recurrence of such an incident, which he described as unusual.