Police searching for owner of lambs after hundreds of suspected stolen animals found

All of the other animals have been seized and taken to secure locations where they will be cared for while the investigation continues.

Two border collies, which had previously been reported stolen from an address in Lancashire, were also located, and will be reunited with their owners.

The 42-year-old man, from the Ripon area, was arrested on suspicion of the theft of animals, money laundering and breaching an order disqualifying him from keeping animals. He has been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.

Many of the sheep and goats have distinguishing identification marks or tag numbers, and enquiries are already underway. In addition, the owner of around 40 chickens has been identified.

Officers are in particular trying to locate the owners of 11 Swaledale tup lambs and
speak to anyone who lost or sold 30 turkeys on or around Friday, October 12, 2018.

Sergeant Kevin Kelly, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: “We really need the public to pull together with this one, and help us get the word out there, as we suspect that not all of the animals will be stolen from the North Yorkshire area.

“The sheer volume of animals makes this a complex investigation. Our priority has been to ensure that the animals are safe and well. We are working closely with the RSPCA as our enquiries continue, as we look to restore any stolen property to its rightful owners as quickly as possible.

“We are now speaking to the NFU and the farming community to help us establish the ownership of these animals. Thankfully, the owners of the two collie dogs are ‘over the moon’ to be reunited with their beloved dogs.”