Thirteen cows put down in Shropshire after lead poisoning

Cattle at Windy Meadows Farm in Edgmond, near Newport, became distressed after becoming ill over the weekend.

It is believed the herd might have been affected after eating from a bale of hay brought in from outside.

A footpath through the farm field off Newport Road wastoday closed over concerns that the lead could cause the animals to panic.

Police are investigating whether any foul play was involved.

But lead poisoning is not uncommon and can be caused by cattle drinking oil, licking grease from machinery or chewing on lead plumbing and batteries.

It is thought that a battery may have got into the feed.

Chris Ammonds, a spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "We received concerns that some cows were suffering lead poisoning and had become blind.

"When this happens they tend to panic and can run amok.

"With there being a footpath, there were concerns about members of the public who take that route.

"It appears most of the cows were rounded up during the course of the day.

"Vets are working on the situation and enquiries are ongoing.

"Police will await the outcome of the investigations."

Police received a call at 9.30am on Saturday morning.

The farm is owned by Bob Lane. The footpath that runs from the corner of Newport Road to the canal in Newport has been closed with police tape.