The former vice-president of the farmer’s union last night described the thefts as a “horrendous” crime.
Former National Farmers Union vice-president Peter Chapman believes the thieves will likely know they cannot sell on live animals, and have had them slaughtered illegally.
Last night, Mr Chapman, who is now a Conservative MSP in the north-east and the party’s rural affairs spokesman, said: “Stolen cattle will most likely be going straight to an illegal slaughterhouse, as these animals are all tagged and traceable nowadays so there is no legal outlet to sell them on.
“This is a horrendous crime and a very worrying scenario with a huge cost for the farmer involved.”
Mr Chapman added that the thieves would have needed a “large vehicle” to transport the cows from their fields.
Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett said that while thefts of this type were rare, they have “devastating” repercussions for farmers and their families.
“I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police immediately,” he said.
“My understanding is that there have been two previous attempts to steal livestock in this area, so this should also act as a warning to other farmers and landowners to remain vigilant at all
times.”
