Police have appealed for witnesses to assist investigations into the alleged theft of 19 pregnant ewes from a farm in north Worcestershire.
According to West Mercia Police, the incident occurred at Chadwick Manor Farm in Lydiate Ash, sometime between 6pm on March 31 and 9am on April 1.
As the animals were in lamb at the time of the theft, the incident would have evoked high levels of “distress” among the stolen sheep, due to their vulnerable pregnant condition, police claimed.
Rural and business officer for north Worcestershire, Sarah Sceats said: “We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about the theft of 19 ewes from this farm, which is near to junction 4 of the M5 at Lydiate Ash.
“The farmers are understandably distressed by the damage to their livelihood but also for the welfare of the sheep who were in lamb when they were stolen.
“It would have taken a larger vehicle, possibly with a trailer, to take them so we are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything or possibly has dashcam or CCTV footage to call 101 quoting reference number 328i.
“Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity, Crimestoppers.”
Meanwhile
Police have confirmed that a woman has appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on April 1, following the recovery of a stolen lamb from her property which officers claimed had been subjected to “unnecessary suffering”.
Dorset Police Rural Crime team reportedly responded to a call from a farmer in the Sturminster Newton area on March 24, 2024, concerning the theft of one his lambs.
According to police statement, further information came to light on April 15, 2024, which indicated that the stolen lamb had been taken by a woman, who was allegedly keeping the lamb at her address.
Investigating officers attended the address of 49-year-old local woman, Louise Elizabeth Murguia, on April 16, 2024, where they located the lamb, who was found wearing a nappy, police confirmed.
The defendant was subsequently arrested and the lamb was taken to a vet, who identified signs on malnutrition in the assessment of the animal.
Police said that Murguia had also attempted to shave the identification number from the side of the lamb, to conceal discriminating marks.
The woman was subsequently charged with theft and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, and the lamb was returned to the farmer.
Dorset police disclosed that Murguia was sentenced to a 12-month community order with an alcohol treatment requirement and rehabilitation activity requirement.
She was reportedly subject to an additional court order preventing her from keeping or owning sheep for an indefinite period.
Dorset Police’s Rural Crime sergeant Natalie Skinner, said: “We recognise the impact thefts of livestock have on our local farming community and it was also distressing to learn of the maltreatment this animal faced following the theft.
“Thanks to the response from our officers, we were able to hold this defendant to account for her behaviour and return the lamb to the grateful farmer.”
