Sheep slain in brutal attack

Mar 3 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

Sheep slain in brutal attack

CRUEL thugs hanged a sheep with a lead before setting a dog on another two – savaging one to death and badly injuring the other.

The mindless yobs struck at a field near to Glen Noble in Cleland, Motherwell, last Saturday afternoon, February 26.

The sick scene was discovered by a farmer who found one sheep hanged on a fence at the bottom of the field. One other sheep was dead and another seriously injured from bite marks to its neck and body.

Three people with two dogs were spotted in the area prior to the discovery on Saturday afternoon.

One of those was allegedly seen hitting a sheep with what appeared to be a stick.

A farmer, who did not want to be named, said: “The sheep had just been fed an hour or so beforehand and then a call was made to say three people were seen worrying them.

“One of the sheep had been tied to a fence post and its neck was all cut and covered in blood. It was terrible.

“Another was lying dead further down the field and there was a third sheep very badly injured.

“The third sheep is being treated. I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years of farming. It is absolutely cruel.”

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn added: “This was a barbaric and mindless act of violence against defenceless animals.

“We would urge anyone with information to contact Strathclyde Police and we hope that the perpetrators are caught and brought to justice.”

Police this week issued descriptions of three people and are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who can help identify the three people, to come forward.

The first was wearing a red top, the second a light blue top and the third a dark grey coloured top.

PC James Ruddell, of the Motherwell community safety team, said: “This is the first time I have ever heard of helpless sheep being violently attacked like this.

“Sheep form an important part in a farmer’s life and business.

“It is most important that we find the people responsible for this disgusting crime and prevent them doing this again to other animals and pets.

“If you have any idea who may be responsible please phone Strathclyde Police on (01698) 483000 or Crimestoppers, completely free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”