South Yorkshire Police is appealing for information following the theft of 126 sheep from land on Owday Lane in Worksop.
It is reported that between Wednesday, June 26, and Sunday, June 30, access was gained to the land.
It is believed that 46 ewes were taken, leaving lambs in the field without a mother, and 80 lambs, some taken without their mothers.
All sheep have a blue mark on their shoulders.
Investigating officer Amy Jolliffe said: “This is a very sad incident which has left lambs without a mother.
“The farmer of the sheep has also lost a significant amount of money, affecting his business.
“The sheep have been treated with medication making them unfit for human consumption for a certain amount of time.”
Jolliffe said officers are keen to hear from anyone who has information that can assist the force with its inquiry.
“No matter how small you believe your information to be, please get in touch, it could help us ensure those responsible are put before the courts.”
Those with information can contact the force online, via live chat or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number 14/118707/24.
Flintshire dog attack
Earlier this month, North Wales Police’s rural crime team reported that an ewe and a lamb were found with “appalling injuries and bitemarks consistent with a dog attack” in Flintshire.
The suspected dog attack occurred in the Afonwen area of Flintshire in fields close to a farmhouse sometime between the evening of Sunday, June 23, and Monday, June 24.
One ewe and a lamb, both of pedigree stock, died as a result of the attack.
PC Ian Nicholls of the North Wales Police rural crime team said: “Both animals were found with appalling injuries and bitemarks consistent with a dog attack.
“This is clearly an upsetting incident for the farm owners, and our enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.
“This is an isolated location, but if anyone in the Afonwen area at this time saw anything suspicious, I would ask that they contact us on 101 and quote reference: 24000565533.”
