- Flock of sheep killed by quad bikers
- Series of incidents in the North Cotswolds
- Police working with local farmers
- PCC calls for information from public
Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl is calling on the public to ‘do the right thing’ and help catch the gang who ran down and killed a flock of sheep on a farm near Cirencester.
It’s reported that 23 animals died either through impact or due to traumatic stress in the incident at Salperton sometime between 24 September and 6 October.
It was by far the most serious in a spate of indiscriminate attacks first reported on 22 September where gangs riding quad bikes and driving cars smashed though gates and electric fences at speed causing damage to crops and letting out livestock.
Mr. Surl said,
“These people need to be caught. Someone must know who they are and they should give them up.
“Gangs who target animals are not people anyone should protect. It’s common for people who mistreat animals to be cruel to people and I doubt even the criminal fraternity would think these people should be shielded.”
So far the trail of damage extends across a wide area of the North Cotswolds including Cheltenham, Winchombe, Stanway and Andoversford. Gloucestershire Police have stepped up patrols and are working closely with local farmers and representatives of the National Farmers’ Union.
Mr. Surl said,
“Although the size and nature of the area make it difficult to patrol, it’s clear the police are treating these attacks very seriously and thanks to their swift response there have been no further reports for several weeks.
“Even so, I would urge anyone with information about who killed the sheep or was involved in any of these attacks to do the right thing and either call the police on 101 or e-mail them at 101@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers.”
