.png)
11 months ago
49
The remains of six sheep have been found strewn across a garden before the body parts of two more were discovered in a layby in Kent, leading police to issue a warning to livestock owners.
Rural Task Force officers have issued the warning to livestock owners in the Sevenoaks area following the spate of unexplained deaths in the Halstead and Chevening areas last month.
Kent Police received reports that the remains of six animals were found in the garden of an address in Otford Lane, Halstead between November 24 and November 29.
The hides and entrails of two more sheep were later found dumped in a layby in Ovenden Road, Sundridge.
Police are now investigating the circumstances around the incidents, to identify the owner or owners of the deceased animals and find those responsible.
They are advising livestock owners check on their animals regularly, report any thefts and parked vehicles in rural locations or country lanes they suspect may be involved and to remain vigilant.
The remains of six sheep have been found strewn across a garden before the body parts of two more were discovered in a layby in Kent (Stock Image)
Kent Police received reports that the remains of six animals were found in the garden of an address in Otford Lane, Halstead between November 24 and November 29
PC Marc Pennicott, from Kent Police's Rural Task Force, said: 'The theft of so many sheep and the way they were killed is abhorrent.
'Our dedicated Rural Task Force is working relentlessly to identify the suspect or suspects and take robust action against them.
'Kent is home to vast expanses of rural land and the force prioritises the protection of its rural communities and works closely with partner agencies to bring those who offend in the countryside to justice.
'I urge anybody with information to contact us on 01622 604100 quoting reference number 24-0225.'
It comes after a bag containing the remains of sheep were found in October, also in Otford Lane.
Clive Jones, who made the gruesome discovery, told Kent Online: 'In the bag were the entrails, the stuff you don't want, and you would think somebody has stolen a sheep, killed it and dumped it.
Rural Task Force officers have issued the warning to livestock owners in the Sevenoaks area (Stock Image)
'The taking of individual sheep that are killed in such a way, seen as cheap meat for somebody, is horrible.'
He added the village had been 'horrified' by the discovery but said: 'Some of the local farmers know they have to be on their guard all the time'.
'But regardless it is callous, it would have caused the sheep pain and suffering and somewhere out there a farmer is missing part of their livestock', he added.
English (US)