Farmers’ leader slams barbaric killing of lamb
A farming union leader has described the professional butchering of a lamb in a field as ‘barbaric’.
Colin Mair, who owns Dalyrmple Farm and is NFU Scotland’s regional chairman for Ayrshire, hit out after a one-year-old farm animal was slaughtered in a field. Mr Mair said: : “This is barbaric. “To do this would need at least two or three people and the lamb would have died a very painful death.
“The meat taken from the animal would likely be unsafe and contaminated by the surroundings.
“There is absolutely no excuse for this act under any circumstances and I would hope that the farming community and public will assist the police in any way they can.”
The horrifying incident occurred in Stewarton between 8am on Saturday, February 6 and 1pm on Tuesday, February 9.
The slain young female sheep - a Texel weighing around 70kg and with a value of around £250 - was likely to have died ‘a very painful death’ at the hands of multiple professionals, the National Farmers’ Union, Scotland said.
NFU Scotland Ayrshire regional manager Christine Cuthbertson added: “This is a highly distressing crime for everyone involved and a concerning one as it has been carried out by someone who knew exactly what they were doing.
“Our farmers have the upmost care for their animals’ wellbeing and for this to have happened is shocking.
“It is troubling as to what the end route is for the illegally-butchered lamb is and we would urge members of the public to make sure that they always purchase their red meat via approved outlets and look for the Scotch Lamb logo which provides the assurance that the lamb has been reared and sourced to the highest welfare standards.
“We would ask that livestock owners in the area be very vigilant and report any suspicious activity or persons to police.”
Anyone with information on the incident should contact police on 101, quoting 1442 or telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where calls are free and anonymity can be maintained.