Wells has been a town in shock this week after the “completely gruesome, random and sickening attack” on a heavily pregnant sheep.Police and RSCPA officials launched a joint investigation after five youths were seen kicking and stabbing the Hebridean ewe called Helga at Wells at about 1.
Wells has been a town in shock this week after the “completely gruesome, random and sickening attack” on a heavily pregnant sheep.
Police and RSCPA officials launched a joint investigation after five youths were seen kicking and stabbing the Hebridean ewe called Helga at Wells at about 1.20am on Sunday.
They used fence posts and a pitch fork to kill the animal, which was due to give birth in two weeks.
The group then dragged it about 400 yards from the field at Polka Road and dumped in a wheelie bin.
Local residents saw and heard the attack and the town has been left shocked by it.
Police followed a trail of blood on the snow-covered road and arrested five boys.
A 15-year-old boy, a 16-year-old boy and three 17-year-old boys - all local to the area - were arrested in connection with the incident. They were later released on police bail until early May pending further inquiries.
The female sheep was a breed with horns and such was the ferocity of the attack that one of the horns was snapped off.
Sgt Damon Money, of Fakenham Police, said: “It is very worrying that anyone of this age could do something like this.
“It was a completely gruesome, random and sickening act. It was needless and mindless on an innocent animal.”
The Times has received a number of emails and letters expressing horror and outrage at the attack.
Police and RSPCA officials will decide if there is enough evidence for a prosecution and if there is which agency pursues an action.
One option would be a charge of causing unnecessary suffering, which carries a maximum sentence of £20,000 fine or six months in jail.
An RSPCA spokesman said: “It was certainly very distressing and we take any reports of deliberate cruelty to animals very, very seriously.”
Officers are appealing for anyone with information to contact Norfolk Police on 0845 4564567 or the RSPCA cruelty line on 03000 1234999.
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