Police warn of rural rustling

AFTER a series of livestock rustling incidents across the South West, Devon and Cornwall Police are advising livestock owners to ensure that there is appropriate security on their farms and to remain vigilant for suspicious activity.

Livestock theft is one of the most costly crimes for the farming sector. Often linked to organised crime, it can have a devastating financial and emotional impact on farmers and their businesses, as well as causing unnecessary suffering for the animals involved.

The illegal transport and slaughter of animals also holds the risk of meat entering the food chain unregulated, leading to health and hygiene risks.