Forced to import large quantities of sheep for the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, Algeria is facing mass thefts of these sheep by organized gangs. This widespread phenomenon is worrying the authorities.

Algeria is reportedly experiencing a wave of sheep thefts ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, which falls at the end of May. With Algerian farmers struggling to sell their livestock due to high prices, the government has opted to encourage the importation of sheep, particularly from Romania, according to the Algerian media outlet TSA. Upon arrival in Algeria, the sheep are quarantined in large enclosures, making them prime targets for thieves. Several hundred animals are reportedly stolen each month, right under the noses of the authorities. In late April, a network was dismantled by the Algerian gendarmerie: 50 sheep were recovered during a traffic stop, and five suspects were arrested.

20,000 sheep stolen

According to Algerian law enforcement, 183 sheep-stealing networks were dismantled in 2025. 2,342 individuals were arrested, suspected of stealing more than 20,000 sheep. Only 6,000 animals were rescued. These are significant figures, especially considering that nearly 5 million sheep are slaughtered in the country each year during the religious festival. Several clandestine slaughterhouses were also discovered by the gendarmerie.

With Eid approaching, the gendarmerie has decided to increase its security measures. Checkpoints have been set up on major roads, and patrols are being conducted near sheepfolds. The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries has also asked livestock farmers to mark their animals to facilitate identification. The government has also established a toll-free hotline for farmers.