Algeria Faces Wave of Sheep Thefts Ahead of Eid al-Adha

In the lead-up to Eid al-Adha, Algeria is grappling with a significant increase in sheep thefts carried out by organized gangs. This alarming trend has prompted authorities to take action as the nation prepares for the upcoming festival, which is expected to see a high demand for sheep. The government has been forced to import large quantities of sheep, particularly from Romania, to meet the needs of the celebration. However, this has made the imported sheep a prime target for thieves. Reports indicate that hundreds of sheep are stolen each month, often right under the noses of law enforcement. In late April, a police operation led to the dismantling of a theft network, resulting in the recovery of 50 sheep and the arrest of five suspects. According to Algerian law enforcement, 183 networks involved in sheep theft were dismantled in 2025, leading to the arrest of 2,342 individuals suspected of stealing over 20,000 sheep. Alarmingly, only 6,000 of these animals were recovered, highlighting the scale of the problem. As the festival approaches, the Algerian gendarmerie has ramped up its efforts to combat these thefts. Increased patrols are being conducted near sheep farms, and checkpoints have been established along major roads to deter potential thieves. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture has urged sheep farmers to mark their animals to facilitate identification in case of theft. A dedicated hotline has also been set up for farmers to report any suspicious activities. The situation is particularly concerning given that nearly 5 million sheep are slaughtered in Algeria each year during Eid al-Adha. The rise in thefts not only threatens the livelihoods of farmers but also poses a risk to the cultural and religious significance of the festival. As authorities continue to address this issue, the hope is that enhanced security measures will help protect both the sheep and the farmers who depend on them for their income.