Animal rights protesters steal King’s sheep from Sandringham
Trio spout green platitudes as they tear lambs away from mothers then drive 145 miles to be arrested
THE King has long been respected for his environmentalism and passion for sustainable farming. But it seems that is not enough to prevent him becoming a target for animal rights activists, who struck at a farm on his Sandringham Estate.
Three women from the militant campaign group Animal Rising allegedly entered Appleton Farm, in West Newton, Norfolk, on Wednesday evening and stole three lambs, which they claimed were being prepared for slaughter.
After “liberating” the lambs from their mothers, they took the animals – hastily named Sooty, Sunny and Sammy – to a “place of safety”, where they said they would live out the rest of their lives in peace.
To garner maximum publicity for their stunt, the environmental activists then travelled 145 miles by car from Sandringham to Windsor Castle, where they tried to hand themselves in to police.
Sarah Foy, 23, Rosa Sharkey, 23, and Rose Patterson, 33 – all experienced hands in direct action and disruptive protests – posed for pictures carrying placards with the slogan “I Rescued The King’s Sheep.”
But they were initially frustrated when officers at the royal residence refused to arrest them, saying they would need to speak to their colleagues at Norfolk Constabulary as it was not a Thames Valley Police matter.
Eventually though, they got their wish and were admitted to a police station in Slough, where they were arrested on suspicion of theft.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: “Norfolk police are investigating reports three lambs were stolen from a farm in West Newton, Norfolk.
“Three women aged in their 20s and 30s voluntarily attended a police station in Slough and were arrested on suspicion of theft. They remain in custody.”
Ms Patterson, who is listed as a director of the campaign group, was previously
‘It would be an incredible statement for the Royal family to commit to a plant-based food system’
arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance following protests at the Grand National.
In an attempt to explain her actions ahead of her arrest, Ms Foy said: “Like anyone, animals want to live out their lives safely and without being used or exploited.
“Sadly that is not the case here at Sandringham, or anywhere they are used in our food system.
“That is exactly why we rescued three sheep today – three beautiful lambs who’ll now live their lives to the fullest. We urgently need a national conversation about our relationship with other animals and nature.
“The Royal family could be leading the way in this – they own land around twice the size of Greater London.
“It would be an incredible statement for them to fully commit to the transition to a safe, secure, plant-based food system and a rewilding programme. Mending our connection to animals is vital in tackling the climate and nature crises.”
A statement posted on the group’s social media account read: “Because of the bravery and compassion of these women, three babies Sammy, Sunny and Sooty will now be allowed to live their lives freely, in a safe space where they are not seen as objects or products, but as the sentient, emotional, lovely little individuals they are.
“By rescuing these lambs, Rose, Sarah and Rosa are hoping to not only give these gorgeous lambs a chance at a real life, but also to provoke conversation: we love animals, so why would we ever want to hurt them in this way?”
The alleged raid at Appleton Farm is the latest in a string of stunts by the group, which is promising to step up its campaign over the summer.
Last month, protesters disrupted the Grand National at Aintree. They have also threatened to target the Epsom Derby next Friday.
Up to 1,000 activists are thought to be planning to descend on the flat race, with suggestions that they will lock and glue themselves to perimeter fencing.
Having targeted the racing industry, the group, which is an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, has now declared war on farming and the meat industry. The incident at Sandringham is said to mark the start of a series of “open rescues” throughout the summer.
Three of the King’s sheep have been rustled from his Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The culprits are not impecunious farmhands driven to desperate measures at a time of soaring food prices. Rather, they are three eco-zealots from Animal Rising. Rosa Sharkey, one of their number, proclaims that “growing up in the beautiful Lake District I have witnessed first hand the decimation of a once-wild landscape by animal agriculture”. This would hint at her being several hundred years older than her acknowledged 23. Herdwick sheep have been grazing the Lakes since at least the 12th century. England’s ovine population is down by over 700,000 since 2018. Hanging was on the books for sheep theft until 1832, in practice often commuted to deportation. Perhaps Ms Sharkey too would be happier in a less sheep sodden country.