Police are investigating after 13 lambs were found dead at a farm in a “shocking crime”. Investigators said it seems the necks of the young animals had been “deliberately broken”.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is appealing for information following the incident in Rostrevor, County Down. It is believed the animals were killed sometime between 7pm on Friday and 7:45am on Saturday. The farmer described the deaths as “the worst thing I could ever imagine”.
Kevin McGivern told the BBC he arrived at his field with his brother to feed the sheep at around 8am on Saturday and that he “just knew from the distance there was something badly wrong”.
“At least 11 had their necks broke, the others were probably strangled,” McGivern said.
Inspector Reynolds, of the PSNI, said: “We received a report that the lambs had been killed at a farm on Drumsesk Road at some point between 7pm on Friday, 13th March and 7.45am on Saturday, 14th March.
“It appears that their necks had been deliberately broken.
“This is a shocking crime, and we would be keen to hear from anyone who noticed anything unusual in the area during the times above.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who can help should contact officers on 101, quoting reference 495 14/03/26.”
Local councillor Jarlath Tinnelly described the incident as “absolutely unbelievable” and said his “heart really does go out” to the McGivern brothers.
He said: “This was clearly a reprehensible and callous attack on helpless, relatively newborn lambs. I’ve never seen anything like this happen in our area.”