Burnley Police Issue Sheep Rustling Warning

Police have issued a warning about the consequences of sheep rustling after a man was spotted driving through Burnley with one as a passenger.

The vehicle was traced to an address in Pendle, and the driver claimed he had bought the animal for £20 as a family pet. In the absence of any paperwork or satisfactory explanation as to the location of purchase, the sheep was seized by police officers.

PC Keates said:

"You have to have every sheep tagged because of disease and if it is likely to end up in the food chain. When you sell it or move it to somewhere else that is not within your farm it needs to be tagged and have movement documents.

"The rules are there to prevent the transportation of diseases and ensure traceability if it goes into the food chain.

"If this is a case of sheep theft we want to assure our rural communities that we will do our best to apprehend perpetrators as we know the effect this can have on breeding stock and livelihoods."

The National Farmers' Union estimates sheep rustling costs around £6 million per year.

If you need legal advice following a criminal accusation, call our Burnley team today in complete confidence. Speak to us on 01282 432 141.

Eric H Smith Solicitors

Crime & Criminal Defence