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HomeFarming NewsInvestigation underway to identify owner after ewe found in car boot
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Investigation underway to identify owner after ewe found in car boot

Police in the UK has launched an investigation after officers found a ewe in a Peugeot car boot.

Leicestershire Police seized the car, which they saw running through a red light, in Loughborough Hill Street on Friday night (April 2nd, 2021).

‘Cannot charge the suspects with an offence’

In a statement, a spokesperson for Leicestershire & Rutland Rural Crime, said:

“This ewe was found in the rear of a Peugeot by colleagues in Loughborough. The vehicle ran a red light and so drew officer’s attention to it.”

“The car was seized as it had no MOT or insurance, and the ewe has been safely recovered and is in good health. The driver and passenger will be spoken to in the near future in a police interview.”

“Enquiries are ongoing to locate the owner to identify where it’s come from, despite an account from those involved claiming it was legitimately purchased.”

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“Until such time as an owner is identified – we cannot ‘charge’ the suspects with an offence – despite a lot of comments suggesting that we do so. We know this is an emotive subject, and it’s one that we will be properly addressed as the investigation unfolds.”

Furthermore, Police confirmed that it would liaise with DEFRA next week using the ear tag numbers.

“If you think she belongs to you – please get in touch quoting incident 629 of today. You’ll need to prove ownership with relevant numbers.” the spokesperson added.

“The welfare of the animal was paramount. It is safe and well. The investigation is very much ongoing.”

“Livestock theft isn’t currently as big a problem as is being made out in some comments. Leicestershire Police doesn’t currently receive a disproportionate amount of reports about it. We will update you as the investigation progresses.” the spokesperson concluded.

sheep, sheep farming,
Ewe found in car boot – Image credit: Leicestershire & Rutland Rural Crime
Man arrested after lambs found in car

Meanwhile, earlier this week, police in Northern Ireland brought a vehicle to a halt and arrested its driver, who was transporting lambs in the car’s footwell.

The incident occurred on Monday evening (March 29th, 2021).

In a brief post on social media, spokesperson for Police Mid Ulster said:

“Mid Ulster Neighbourhood Policing Team stopped a vehicle in Portglenone this evening. Three lambs were rescued after being transported in the footwell of a car.”

“The driver was arrested for an animal welfare offence as he is legally barred from keeping animals.” the spokesperson added.

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