North Yorkshire Police are urging farmers to keep a close eye on their stock after a number of sheep were found slaughtered in Masham.
At around 2.40pm on Tuesday 11 December 2012, a member of the public reported finding the remains of a sheep in the River Ure, off Thorpe Road.
When officers went to investigate, they found the remains of eight Suffolk cross fat lambs which had been butchered and their remains left beside the river. All the lambs’ identifying tags and marks had been removed.
Officers are appealing to all farmers to be vigilant at this time and report anything suspicious to the police or Crimestoppers.
PC Gareth Jones, Wildlife and Rural Crime Co-ordinator for North Yorkshire Police, said:
All farmers with this particular breed of sheep are asked to check their stock and report any missing animals to their local police station.
Please be aware that at this time of year stock is vulnerable and ensure that you take reasonable steps to secure gates and make it difficult for anyone trying to steal your sheep.
Anyone with any information about this incident or any other crime of this nature is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for Gareth Jones.
If you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference number 12120209016 when passing information about this incident.
