Intruders have shot a sheep and left it for useless, earlier than stealing a number of others in a theft that is left a South West farming household shocked and offended.
Key factors:
- A sheep was shot and left badly injured by intruders at a Bridgetown farm
- It was discovered nonetheless strolling and needed to be euthanased due to the extent of the accidents
- The farm’s proprietor says there’s proof different sheep have been stolen
Stuart Stevenson mentioned the injured animal was nonetheless strolling round when it was discovered by his son on his farm close to Bridgetown.
“We went to Perth on the Friday and no person was residence,” he mentioned.
“My son got here residence late that day and noticed the sheep in our home paddock,
“It had clearly been injured fairly badly, so sadly for him [my son], he needed to put it down.
“We’re not actually positive how lengthy the poor factor had been struggling.”
He mentioned to go away the animal to endure was stunning.
“It is one factor stealing a sheep, however leaving one to endure is de facto irritating and actually annoying.”
The ABC has seen photographs of the injured sheep however has determined to not publish them due to the graphic nature of the content material.
Authorized motion wanted
WAFarmers president John Hassell mentioned it was terrible scenario and one he might relate to.
“I can actually really feel for them,” he mentioned.
“We had a sheep a few years in the past that somebody had shot from the street with a high-powered rifle and left it nonetheless alive, which we discovered, we guess a few days later.
“The individuals who do that must be given the complete pressure of the legislation.”
Sheep stolen
Mr Stevenson mentioned there was proof different sheep have been stolen.
“I checked the fence line and you may see some drag marks below the fence and proof that I’ve misplaced a few sheep,” he mentioned.
“There’s wool all the best way, with the drag marks as much as the street verge and there are automotive tyre marks.”
The incident has been reported to police.
Related studies rising
Mr Stevenson mentioned after posting on a neighborhood social media web page, he heard from others who had skilled thefts.
“What I am involved about is due to the price of dwelling and price of meals and every part, this would possibly begin to happen extra typically.”
Mr Hassell mentioned it was additionally a problem outdoors the realm and had been raised at a gathering in Katanning.
“There would have been not less than 30 folks there,” he mentioned.
“Lots of them have been saying among the areas the place that they had distant blocks would lose 10 sheep usually yearly and so they have been powerless to cease it.”
