Thirteen lambs have been brutally killed on a farm on the Drumsesk Road in Rostrevor, prompting widespread shock and a police appeal for information.
Police say the incident happened sometime between 7pm on Friday, March 13 and 7.45am on Saturday, March 14. When the farmer attended the field on Saturday morning, the lambs were found dead.
Inspector Reynolds of the PSNI said: “We received a report that the lambs had been killed at a farm on Drumsesk Road at some point between 7pm on Friday, 13th March and 7.45am on Saturday, 14th March. It appears that their necks had been deliberately broken.
“This is a shocking crime, and we would be keen to hear from anyone who noticed anything unusual in the area during the times above. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who can help should contact officers on 101, quoting reference 495 14/03/26.”
Independent councillor Mark Gibbons described the incident as “absolutely horrific and barbaric,” saying they were “deeply saddened and angered” by the killing of the lambs in “such a beautiful and peaceful part of our countryside.”
“To do this to one lamb would be horrific, but to do it thirteen times is simply barbaric,” they said, adding: “My thoughts are with the farmer and family affected by this senseless act of cruelty.”
They issued a strong appeal to the public:
“I would strongly appeal to anyone who may have information, dashcam footage or CCTV from the area to please contact the PSNI immediately. Even the smallest detail could help identify those responsible.”
Police are urging anyone who was in the Drumsesk Road area between 7pm on Friday and 7.45am on Saturday, and who may have seen suspicious activity or vehicles, to come forward.
Information can be provided by calling the PSNI on 101 and quoting reference 495 14/03/26. You can submit an online report at: http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at: http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
