Shropshire Star

£1,000 reward offered in hunt for gang who slaughtered 19 lambs

Police have renewed an appeal to find those responsible for the slaughter of 19 lambs at a farm.

Published

Police were informed on Monday that 19 lambs had been slaughtered at Lydebrook Farm in Little Wenlock. It is believed the lambs were slaughtered for their meat by thieves intending to sell it. Inquiries have been continuing to trace the suspects.

And now the farm would like to offer a £1,000 reward for information that leads to a successful conviction.

Tamara Pickstock, whose family own the farm, said: “It is heartbreaking that some of our lambs have been killed in this way and very concerning that unfit meat could be entering the food chain.

“We want to offer a reward to help police so they can arrest those responsible and stop them from doing this to other animals at other farms.

“If anyone does have any information that may help police we would ask them to please get in contact and pass this on,” Ms Pickstock added.

Not fit to eat

The animals had been recently treated with antibiotics and a treatment for parasites, so the meat was unfit to enter the food chain at the point the meat was taken.

Police are reminding people to only buy meat from reputable suppliers.

Chief Inspector James Dunn said: “We’re aware the animals had been recently treated and the meat would not usually enter the food chain at this point, and we would urge people to make sensible choices and make sure they are buying meat from reputable suppliers.”

Inquiries are continuing into the incident and any witnesses are asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference 219s of April 1, or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.