Police appeal after 42 lambs stolen from west Wales farm
© Tim Scrivener Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing for information following the theft of 42 lambs from a field near Capel Cynon, Ffostrasol, in the Llandysul area.
The rural crime team is investigating the incident, which is believed to have occurred in the three weeks to August 29.
The stolen lambs were part of a larger flock of more than 400, and the theft only came to light after a recent count.
Inspector Matthew Howells of Ceredigion police said: “We are once again turning to the farming community to help us find these animals and identify those responsible. We know from past experience that the answers will be within the industry.”
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He added that the lambs may have been moved through livestock markets or abattoirs, or even illegally entered the food chain as “smokies” – a term for meat processed outside legal standards.
The impact on the farmer has been described as devastating, both financially and emotionally.
The stolen lambs are mostly white-faced, with some black-faced, and bear distinctive green and blue markings on their rumps and backs.
Although not tagged, they have unique ear notches that could aid identification.
No lambs have been sold from this flock this year, so any animals bearing these specific marks are likely to be stolen.
Police are urging farmers, livestock auctioneers, abattoir staff, and the wider public to report any sightings or suspicious activity.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys police via its website, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.