Police investigate large-scale sheep theft in western Queensland

Queensland police are investigating the theft of approximately 5,500 Dorper sheep worth more than $1.7 million from a property outside Blackall, about 830 kilometres west of Brisbane. The sheep were stolen between February and May this year, according to police.

The sheep are fitted with white National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags and are described as Dorpers, a breed with white wool but a black face. Both ewes and rams were taken.

Detectives from the Rural and Stock Crime Squad are appealing for anyone who may have seen a flock of Dorper sheep matching the description to come forward. Police have also expressed particular interest in speaking with anyone who observed suspicious stock movements, livestock transport activity, or other unusual behaviour in the area.

Police and industry response

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Elliot from the Rural and Stock Crime Squad said livestock theft remained a significant concern for police in rural Queensland. He noted that such thefts can result in substantial financial losses and place additional pressure on farming businesses already facing challenging conditions.

"Livestock theft investigations can be complex, often spanning large geographical areas, which is why we work closely with producers, saleyards, transport operators and industry stakeholders to identify offenders and disrupt criminal activity," Senior Sergeant Elliot said.

The AgForce general president, Shane McCarthy, described the incident as "a concerning amount of sheep that have been stolen" and said it would have a significant effect on the farm's bottom line. He observed a concerning rise in such incidents across the state and expressed trust that police were taking the matter seriously.

McCarthy said a theft of this scale would require planning, time, and more than one person. He suggested that sheep rustlers sometimes move a group onto a property where the animals can be bred to gain value from their progeny before being slowly sold to abattoirs. Thefts are often discovered at the abattoir, he added.

"I would say that it's been thought out for a while," McCarthy said. "I would suggest that one or two sheep here and there, even up to you know 10 or so sheep, is opportunistic. When we're talking these numbers, they're organised."

The Blackall-Tambo mayor, Andrew Martin, who has farmed Dorper sheep, said the herd was probably not all taken in one hit. He noted that some properties have as many as 25,000 sheep, and it is possible to lose thousands through escapes, animal attacks, or miscounting without noticing for a long period.

Police have not yet determined how the sheep were stolen, including whether they were loaded onto trucks or mustered.