Queensland police investigate after 5,500 sheep worth $1.7m stolen from farm

Queensland police are investigating the theft of approximately 5,500 Dorper sheep, valued at over $1.7 million, from a farm located 830 kilometers west of Brisbane. The theft occurred between February and May, and the sheep were fitted with National Livestock Identification System tags. Detective Sen Sgt Paul Elliot from the rural and stock crime squad urged anyone with information about the theft to come forward.

AgForce general president Shane McCarthy described the scale of the theft as concerning and noted that such incidents have been increasing across the state. The theft of such a large number of sheep suggests a well-thought-out plan, potentially involving multiple individuals. The theft method is still under investigation, but it is suspected that the sheep were spread out over time to avoid detection, possibly being taken to abattoirs for slaughter.

Local authorities, including the Blackall-Tambo mayor, have speculated that the theft may have occurred in smaller, incremental hits rather than all at once. Stock theft is a persistent issue in Queensland, with some farms housing thousands of animals, making it difficult to detect losses over time.