Fly-tippers dump rotting sheep carcasses at beauty spot

Locals were left disgusted after 10 bags of rotting sheep carcasses were dumped in Dartmoor.

The remains were discovered near Cadover Bridge, a beauty spot popular for family get-togethers in Yelverton, south Devon.

The blue and black rubble sacks contained sheep fleece and jaw bones, possibly from illegal slaughter.

See also: Fleeced – police failure to tackle sheep rustling exposed

Devon and Cornwall police believe the sheep may have been stolen as there were no identifiable marks or tags discovered.

Special constable Adam Bush, of the force’s specials rural engagement team, told Devon Live: “There are concerns about whether the meat from the sheep has gone into the trade for human consumption, how it’s been slaughtered, where the meat came from, has it been properly checked?”

Illegal slaughter

Mr Bush said police were called to the site by Trading Standards officers.

Nicky May, Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service’s intelligence manager, said: “The remains of animals slaughtered legally would be disposed via approved premises. When livestock is illegally slaughtered the options available for disposal are limited.

“Those responsible would be unable to dispose of the remains at an approved disposal site, which are all inspected by Animal and Plant Health Agency vets, without questions being asked. We are investigating the matter.”

Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area can report to Trading Standards on 01392 381 381 quoting reference 769453 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111