Police pull over car and find sheep in the back
EFFORTS UNDER WAY TO TRACE ANIMAL’S OWNER
POLICE who stopped a car for running a red light in Loughborough found a sheep in the back.
Charnwood officers seized the Peugeot and made arrangements for the ewe to be looked after.
Police said the driver had no insurance and the car had no valid MoT.
Charnwood police tweeted: “Ewe wouldn’t believe what some drivers think they can get away with.
“Vehicle seized after running a red light due to having no insurance and no MoT.
“Back seat passenger remained tight lipped due to a language baarier.”
The Leicestershire and Rutland Rural Crime team are now trying to trace the owner of the sheep.
They posted on Facebook: “This ewe was found in the rear of a Peugeot by colleagues in Loughborough
“The vehicle ran a red light and so drew officers attention to it.
“The car was seized as it had no MoT or insurance and the ewe has been safely recovered and is in good health.
“The driver and passenger will be spoken to in the near future in a police interview.
“Inquiries are ongoing to locate the owner to identify where it’s come from, despite an account from those involved claiming it was legitimately purchased.
“Until such time as an owner is identified, we cannot charge the suspects with an offence, despite a lot of comments suggesting that we do so.
“We know this is an emotive subject and it’s one we will be properly addressing as the investigation unfolds.
“We will be speaking to Defra next week using the ear tag numbers.
“If you think she belongs to you please get in touch. You’ll need to prove ownership with relevant numbers. The welfare of the animal was paramount. It is safe and well.
“The investigation is very much ongoing.
“Livestock theft isn’t currently as big a problem as is being made out and Leicestershire Police don’t receive a disproportionate amount of reports about it.”