Thirteen lambs killed in Rostrevor, Co. Down

Police are appealing for information following the death of thirteen lambs in Rostrevor.

Local police enforcement said: “We received a report that the lambs had been killed at a farm on Drumsesk Road at some point between 7p.m. on Friday, March 13 and 7.45a.m. on Saturday, March 14.

“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 has been asked to make contact with PSNI (Police Service Northern Ireland), quoting reference: 495 14/03/26.

Precautions

Dog owners are being reminded to take precautions to prevent livestock worrying and protect animal welfare, especially during lambing season.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said livestock worrying remains a serious issue for farmers, causing harm to animals and creating disruption on farms.

They said owners must keep their dogs under control, especially near farmland, by using leads and ensuring pets cannot stray from homes or gardens.

Farmers are also encouraged to regularly check their stock, maintain secure boundaries to deter access by dogs, and communicate with neighbouring farms if loose dogs are sighted.

Both DAERA and the UFU said any incident of livestock worrying should be reported promptly to the council dog warden for investigation.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said livestock worrying can have “devastating consequences for animals and causes significant distress to farmer families”.

“The law is clear. It is a criminal offence to allow a dog onto land containing livestock unless that dog is under control.

“Simple actions make a real difference. Keeping dogs on a lead, ensuring they cannot stray from homes or gardens, and taking steps to manage their behaviour around livestock are all essential.”

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