Warning issued to off-roaders
It's after a number of sheep were found dead
Rural Crime Team officers are reminding people to stay off private land on off-road vehicles after sheep grazing in Charwelton were left distressed by quad bike riders.
On December 29th, farm workers found the animals in a distressed state in fields near to Charwelton House, with a series of track mark damage discovered in the area.
The incident follows a report of three pregnant sheep being found dead in nearby Everdon on December 28th, following a suspected livestock worrying incident.
To protect livestock and pets, Rural Crime Team officers from Northamptonshire Police are reminding people to behave responsibly and stay off private land.
Sergeant Abbey Anstead said:
“The workers who found these distressed sheep were already devastated by the death of the pregnant ewes, and it’s so disappointing to think people could be so selfish as to put the welfare of an animal at risk just to wreck someone’s grazing on a quad bike.
“Trespass may be a civil matter but we won’t hesitate to take action against those found to be breaking the law, either on animal welfare or vehicle nuisance.
“Vehicles are only allowed on private land on designated byways which are not open between October and March – this means any vehicles found to be on them at this time of year will be subject to Section 59 notices under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act and may be seized.
“Ahead of lambing season we are also reminding dog walkers to be responsible around livestock – not least because farmers have the legal right to shoot and kill dogs which are worrying their animals.
“Please keep your dog on a lead on any right of way or land where livestock are kept, and bag and remove poo properly.”