£1,000 reward on offer after sheep attack

A £1,000 reward has been offered to help find those responsible for slicing off the legs of live sheep during a “barbaric” night-time attack on a farm.


The reward is being offered by animal charity PETA for information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of thieves who carried out the raid at Lion House Farm, in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester.


Butchered sheep, including several pregnant ewes, were found dead by 65-year-old farmer William Perkins with their back legs removed at the hip.


Ten sheep were killed in a series of attacks on the farm within the last fortnight. Police suspect the thieves used dogs to round up the sheep before hacking off their rear legs.


“It is imperative that any community faced with such horrific abuse of animals take measures to find the culprit or culprits and stop the violence,” said Ben Williamson, a spokesman for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).


“Animal abusers are a danger to everyone – they take their issues out on whoever is available to them, human or non-human.”


The NFU has warned livestock farmers in Stockport and Manchester to be extra vigilant.


Bill Mellor, NFU North West livestock board chairman, said: “The way in which these helpless sheep have been treated by heartless criminals is disgusting and the perpetrators need to be found quickly.”


Mr Mellor also urged the public to buy meat only from reputable sources.


“Farmers produce meat to high welfare standards and regulations and there is a concern over meat traceability and standards when incidents like this one take place.


“Will the meat from these sheep go on to the open market via back-street channels? I therefore urge the public to continue to buy their meat from reputable farm shops or butchers and to look out for the Red Tractor mark on products as it guarantees quality and traceability.”


Anyone with information on the attacks is encouraged to contact inspector Stephen Gilbertson of the Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050.


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