A ‘HORRIFIC’ livestock slaughter near Lutterworth – the latest in an epidemic of illegal sheep slaughters in Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire – has been slammed by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
Seven lambs and two ewes were killed and butchered in a field on the outskirts of the town near the A5, between the Gibbet Lane island and Magna Park island, at some time between 9pm on Sunday July 28 and 6am the next morning.
A spokesman for the NFU in the East Midlands called on local farmers to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.
James Peck said: “These are unprecedented, horrific crimes being carried out by an organised gang of criminals who appear to have an operation with an outlet to sell this illegally slaughtered and stolen meat.
“There is a real risk to human health from eating meat from carcasses processed outside of a licensed abattoir which has not been inspected by a vet and meat hygiene inspector.
“We’re urging shoppers to buy meat from a recognised source – and the best way of doing that is by looking out for the UK health mark and the Red Tractor logo which means the product is traceable, safe and farmed with care.”
A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police’s Rural Crime Team said: “If you have livestock or live, go past a field with livestock in and see anything suspicious, especially in the early hours of the morning please contact the police quoting Operation Hillman.
“Padlock field gates, if not used regularly put an obstacle in front of them. Turn or cap the hinges so that gates cannot be lifted off and ensure fences, gates and boundaries are in good order.
“Where possible check your livestock at different times of the day, including on clear nights and the early hours of the morning and report anyone acting suspiciously near your stock.”
Anyone who saw or has dashcam footage of any vehicle or anyone acting suspiciously around the time and place of the latest incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident 99 July 29.
