Theft of Sheep in Scotland

That the Parliament notes reports of a high number of sheep thefts over the last 18 months, particularly in the Borders region, that have cost farmers hundreds of thousands of pounds; is concerned that hard-working, honest farmers are being targeted by thieves who carry out unseemly and unregulated butchery of animals and who operate what it considers the callous, cruel and selfish black market trade of stolen livestock; supports the country's legitimate and regulated meat market, where it considers animals are treated with support and care by hard-pressed and hard-working farmers; believes that there is a link between the continued challenging economic climate, the rise in sheep theft and the subsequent black market; considers that the least farmers should expect is the support of the authorities, and hopes that both the Scottish Government and Police Scotland will take all necessary steps to ensure that farmers are adequately protected from further theft.