Lambs stolen from field near Dorchester
It's feared the animals may be illegally slaughtered
Last updated 30th Nov 2020
The mix of 44 Suffolk and Charollais lambs were about six months old. None of them had ear numbers, but they were all shorn and had red markings on them.
They were stolen sometime between 11:00am on Wednesday 25th November 2020 and 7:50am on Friday 27th November 2020.
According to Dorset Police the lambs were taken from a field close to the Sun Inn at Dorchester.
LIVESTOCK THEFT
* Did you see anything suspicious in the area?
* Have you seen lambs for sale that match this description?
* Have you been offered cheap meat?
Police are encouraging residents to check any CCTV and likewise any vehicles with dash cam to review their footage.
PC Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Rural Crime Team, said:
"We would urge members of the public with any information to get in contact with us. Livestock theft is a serious issue and the public are our eyes and ears in the countryside. No matter how small you think your information is, it could be what we need to solve this case. Please get in touch."
Reg Bevan, Deputy Head of the Food Standard Agency's National Food Crime Unit, said:
"Meat from illegally slaughtered animals isn't safe to eat and should not enter the food chain. We are continuing to work with the police to prevent this from happening. If you've purchased or been offered meat which you suspect has been produced illegally, do not eat it and report it to Dorset Police and the NCFU."
APPEAL BY DORSET POLICE
If you have any information about the theft of these lambs please contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting 55200178929.