Warning about sheep rustling

FARMERS in Saddleworth are being alerted about potential sheep rustlers targeting vulnerable new lambs in fields around the villages.

Police were informed of several cars acting suspiciously, with occupants claiming to be looking for newly born lambs for sale.

Usually sold on for meat, the lambs can sell for £50 to £70 depending on the weight — and much more if reared and sold as breeding stock.

Helen Taylor, who keeps sheep in Denshaw, said: “It’s not just a sheep, it’s your living. The lambs take five months to grow, so that’s five months of work that they are depriving farmers of.”

Helen, who has 27 sheep made up of Herdwicks and Southdowns, had to do an emergency delivery this week, but is expecting a further 20 sheep to give birth this season.

She said: “I keep them in a field near my home but not all farmers are as lucky, you can understand if they die naturally or if they get taken by a fox, but it is really bad when they are stolen.”

Anyone who sees anything suspicious is being urged to call the police on 0161-856 4523.