http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1144789&issue_id=10581

Rustlers beat law to drum up goats

RURAL Ireland has been hit by an outbreak of goat rustling as animals are picked up by stealth for the lucrative black market in skins to make bodhran hand drums for traditional music groups.

One goat rearing group has asked Agriculture Minister, Joe Walsh, to begin an investigation.

Thefts of goats - many family pets as well as farm animals - have occurred in Cork, Clare, Kerry and Limerick.

The Irish Goat Producers Association (IGPA) want tough action by the gardai and the Department of Agriculture to trace those responsible.

Director Josephine Monks said goat owners suspect the animals are disappearing because of the value of their hides.

"There is definitely something very sinister going on. It's mostly mature goats that have disappeared, many of them family pets," she said.

"There is a huge demand for hides for making bodhrans," she said.

However, both gardai and goat-owners acknowledge the disappearences have nothing to do with the reputable bodhran trade but both are suspicious of black-market manufacturers who aren't concerned with traditional methods.

Gardai said 15 goats were recently stolen in West Cork. They suspect some were shot.

(Thanks to the Forteana list!)