At least six or seven cows are being stolen each day in Gampaha District, agricultural authorities said.
The cows usually produce 15-30 liters of milk per day and it has been reported that at least 35-40 cows are being stolen every month in Gampaha District alone.
The provincial agricultural officials presented the facts regarding the increase in cattle theft in the Western Province during a discussion chaired by Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera,
It was revealed that thieves coming in luxury vans steal cows at night. Agricultural officials said that cattle theft is increasing in other parts of the country as well.
In response, Minister Amaraweera instructed the Secretary of the Ministry to send a letter to the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of State for Defence requesting them to increase night patrolling, vehicle inspection and also to increase the punishment given to cattle thieves by the Police.
The officials said that there is a possibility of a milk shortage in the future due to the daily theft of cows.
It was also revealed during the discussion that dairy farmers have spent a colossal amount of money to install CCTV cameras in some farms for the safety of cows.
