Eight men are in custody in Tonga on charges of stealing or receiving stolen cows.
Six have been accused of stealing the 5 cows and two others are alleged to have accept the stolen goods.
Radio Tonga reports the accused are from the villages of Pelehake, Kolofo'ou, Tu'atakilangi, Kolomotu'a and Hofoa.
Police have recommended the 8 stay in custody for their own safety after the cows' owners destroyed the places the accused had occupied.
