Police locate more than 400 suspected stolen animals in North Yorkshire

Police in North Yorkshire have located and seized more than 400 suspected stolen animals.

Dogs, sheep, goats, rabbits, turkeys, ducks and chickens are being looked after in secure locations with police now hoping to return them to their rightful owners.

It comes after officers from North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce found a man in suspicious circumstances on land in the Thirsk area on Friday (12 October 2018).

Detectives say about 30 live turkeys were found in a pickup truck at the scene, and a large number of other animals were then located at the premises.

• About 90 sheep and goats of different breeds

• About 80 ducks of different breeds

• About 180 poultry

• Nine rabbits

• Ten pigeons

A vet attended to check on the welfare of the animals, and sadly one of the goats and two of the turkeys had to be put down.

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

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.

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to email ruraltaskforce@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk quoting reference number 12180191078.