CLA warns against bird theft this Christmas
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has warned farmers and landowners to be on their guard against poultry thieves this Christmas.
Part of its annual security reminder, the CLA told producers – particularly smallholders – to be especially vigilant during the festive season.
A spokesman for the CLA said that, although specialist poultry farms are usually well protected, they should be “extra alert day and night in the run-up to 25 December and never underestimate the audacity and determination of thieves seeking poultry to steal”.
“However, it is often the ordinary farmer rearing birds for family, friends and regular customers who proves to be the most vulnerable target for poultry rustlers. Failure to take strict security precautions to safeguard their flock could be rewarded with a miserable Christmas when they find an empty shed one morning and months of work and investment wiped out in one night.
“Don’t forget one of the oldest – but still one of the most efficient and cost-effective – farmyard alarm systems: an alert dog with sensitive hearing and a loud bark.”
The CLA reminded farmers to keep their flocks in secure and locked housing, and keep a look-out for strangers acting suspiciously.