Police in Cheshire have launched an investigation after at least 45 sheep were stolen.
According to police, thieves took the animals from a field near Davenham, Northwich, in the UK in recent days.
PCSO Graham and PC Tether attended the scene of the incident.
At least 45 sheep stolen
In a statement, PC Tether of Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team said:
“The cost of the theft is over £8,000, not counting any of the costs and time involved in nurturing and breeding the lambs.”
“The investigation is ongoing, with a number of lines of enquiry being completed along with checking of the surrounding area.”
“We will continue to stop vehicles carrying livestock, and we would ask the public to report any suspicious activities around your farms or livestock.”
“We are especially keen to identify livestock wagons or trailers that appear unfamiliar.”
“Livestock thefts of any sort are cruel to the farmer that has taken time to raise their livestock and to the animals which may be handled incorrectly.”
“They are often removed in unfit and unsuitable vehicles breaching animal welfare regulations and are sold illegally or slaughtered in an unethical way posing a risk to the food chain.”
He stressed that police will deal with those involved in the theft of livestock “robustly”.
He said they will be prosecuted for such offences, including breaches of animal welfare regulations and food standards.
Police has asked anyone with information to contact 101 quoting IML-1059418 or Crimestoppers anonymously.
Two sheep butchered in field
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the UK, police has appealed for information after two sheep were butchered in a field near Sittingbourne in Devon.
The animals were found dead in Church Lane on the night of Sunday, August 8th and Monday, August 9th, 2021.
Sergeant Darren Walshaw, from Devon Rural Task Force, said:
“The two sheep concerned had been butchered by a person, or persons, with expertise in removing meat from a carcass.”
“This is naturally a distressing incident for the people who reared the animals.”
“Fortunately, incidents of this nature are relatively rare. However, we do know that farm animals can be seen as a target for thieves.”
