The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has urged farmers to remain vigilant and ensure the protection of their livestock in light of “recent, concerning incidents” where sheep were killed in Northern Ireland.
UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy described the “horrifying” situation many farmers experience when their livestock is attacked.
“The effort that goes into getting lambs on the ground cannot be overstated; lambs don’t appear overnight.
“They are the result of months of care and hard work, and to see that work undone and animals come to harm is difficult to comprehend.
“We are reminding all farmers to remain vigilant and keep a close eye on their livestock and property,” Cuddy said.
PSNI
He also highlighted the importance of reporting any suspicious behaviour to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to protect farms and rural communities.
According to Cuddy, these livestock worrying incidents “often go unreported” by farmers to the PSNI.
“If you notice any suspicious behaviour or activity, it is vital that you report it immediately to the PSNI.
“The PSNI rely on this information to build a clear picture of rural crime and to support the case for increased resources to protect farms and rural communities.
“Timely reporting can play a key role in preventing incidents and helping safeguard our farms and rural communities from crime,” the UFU deputy president added.
Sheep
The UFU has reissued this warning at a time when several sheep were attacked across Northern Ireland last month.
The PSNI confirmed the death of 13 lambs, whose necks appeared to have been deliberately broken, at some time between 7:00p.m. on March 13 and 7:45a.m. on March 14 in Co. Down
Officers outlined that the “shocking crime” took place at a farm on Drumsesk Road in Rostrevor.
Similarily, police in Co. Antrim also deemed as deliberate another incident last month where two other sheep were killed.
A report was received on March 17 that two sheep had been found dead in a field in the Glenarm area near Larne.
“This appears to have been caused deliberately and not by an animal,” a PSNI spokesperson said.