More than one hundred dairy cows have been stolen from the Canterbury region.

There have been three reported theft cases in mid-Canterbury from last month, totalling a disappearance of 100 cows.

Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers dairy chair Jessie Chan-Dorman says it's very worrying.

"Especially when it comes to live animals there is a lot more involved in terms of welfare and it's a bit more complex than just your everyday theft."

Ms Chan-Dorman said although stock theft is somewhat common, this amount of stolen cattle is alarming.