19 lambs killed in sickening attack near Telford
Nineteen lambs were found slaughtered in a sickening attack in a farmer’s field on the outskirts of Telford.
It is believed the animals were targeted by thieves for their meat, but farmers have warned that it could be dangerous to anyone who eats it.
A shepherd from Lydebrook Farm, near Little Wenlock, discovered the distressing scene.
Tamara Pickstock, who lives on the farm, said the lambs had all been given antibiotics and a treatment for parasites, which means the meat should not enter the food chain.
Tamara, 27, said: “The lambs were in a field at the top of Willowmoor Bank on the Wellington Road between The Wrekin and Little Wenlock. Our shepherd made the appalling discovery on Monday morning when he was checking the stock.
“He found our padlocked gate cut open, our stock fencing cut open and the heads, skins, and offals of 19 lambs in a small wooded area next to our field.
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“There must have been a gang of people to do this.
“It’s really distressing for us and it will be distressing for local farmers too.”
Tamara added: “The lambs had all been treated with antibiotics and a treatment for parasites and worms on March 15, therefore are completely unfit to enter the food chain until the end of April.
“We are hugely concerned that there could be a risk to human life if people consume this unsafe meat.”
She said she was now worried about the rest of her flock of sheep.
It is believed the lambs were targeted some time between 2pm on Sunday and 10am on Monday.
West Mercia Police said they were carrying out enquiries and they believed the meat was stolen by thieves intending to sell it.
Chief Inspector James Dunn of Telford Police said: “We’re aware the animals had been recently treated and the meat would not usually enter the food chain at this point and would urge people to make sensible choices and make sure they are buying meat from reputable suppliers.”
Enquiries are on-going into the incident and any witnesses are asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference 219s 010419 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
Last month, sheep were stolen from a field and butchered for their meat in the Atcham area.
Farmer Andrew Bebb also found five of his wife’s rare-breed sheep trussed up in the corner of a field near Wroxeter.
And a dressage horse had to be put down after it was found badly mutilated in a field near Newport.
