POLICE have launched an appeal after a spate of livestock thefts and illegal butcherings.
The region has experienced a startling rise in the number of crimes involving farm animals.
The crimes have ranged from two rams being stolen in Henley in Arden last March to scores of sheep being massacred in a field off the M6.
The remains of a pregnant ewe were also found in Coventry.
Warwickshire Police and partners are urging rural communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Since January 1, 80 sheep or lambs have been reported butchered in fields and 29 sheep or lambs have been reported stolen from farms in Warwickshire.
A spokesperson said: “At around 1am on March 7, officers were called to a farm in Wasperton, Warwick, where offenders were disturbed but took a pregnant ewe.
“Officers were called and responded, investigations are ongoing. Remains were later found in a bin in Coventry. (incident number 10 of 7 March 2019/281 10 March 2019).”
They added: “On March 21 two rams that were breeding stock were stolen from a farm in Henley in Arden. (Incident 122 of 21 March 2019)”
Rural crime officer at Warwickshire Police Carol Cotterill said: “Theft and illegal butchery of sheep is a serious offence, which causes suffering to the animals some of which were in lamb or with lambs at foot and financial repurcussions to farmers.
“Enquiries are currently ongoing into the incidents and we would urge anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity or has any information that could help with our enquiries to please come forward.
“Members of the public should also be mindful of being offered meat for sale in suspicious circumstances.”
National Farmers Union Warwickshire assistant country adviser George Bostock said: “The illegal slaughter of animals is abhorrent and we would urge anyone with information to get in touch with the police.
“Rural crime has a serious emotional impact on farming families as well as the disruption and financial burden it brings.”
A spokesperson added: “Police are pleased to confirm that there have been some positive results – with the arrest on April 16 of a man who had a dead sheep in his car and thanks to the vigilance of farmers and the public, several reports where offenders have been disturbed.”
To report any suspicious activity call 101.
Information can also be emailed to [email protected] in confidence or via Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website.
For further advice on rural crime, please see here: www.warwickshire.police.uk/RuralCrime
and www.warwickshireruralwatch.co.uk
