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

Queensland police are investigating the disappearance of around 5,500 Dorper sheep, valued at over $1.7 million, from a farm located 830km west of Brisbane. The sheep, which are characterized by their white wool and black faces, were allegedly taken from a property near Blackall between February and May. Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Elliot, leading the rural and stock crime squad, stated that the sheep were fitted with National Livestock Identification System tags.

Sergeant Elliot has urged anyone with information about the theft or who has seen sheep matching the description to come forward. According to AgForce president Shane McCarthy, the theft of such a large number of sheep is a significant concern for the industry. He noted that multiple people often participate in such organized thefts, which can span long periods and cover extensive geographical areas.

Blackall-Tambo mayor Andrew Martin suggested that the sheep may have been stolen in smaller batches over time and taken to abattoirs for sale. Stock theft is a persistent issue in Queensland, with some farms housing thousands of sheep, making it challenging to detect thefts, especially when animals escape or are miscounted.