51AVÊÓÆµ

Farmers issued warning over 'unexplained' sheep deaths in Kent

Kent Police said the remains of dead sheep had been scattered across villages in the county

Chris Brayford
clock • 1 min read
Kent Police said they were concerned by a spate of 'suspicious' incidents of livestock attacks (generic)
Image:

Kent Police said they were concerned by a spate of 'suspicious' incidents of livestock attacks (generic)

Farmers in Kent have been warned by police to remain vigilant to a number of ‘suspicious and violent' deaths of sheep.

Kent Police's Rural Task Force said they were concerned by a spate of ‘unexplained' incidents which had taken place in the Halstead and Chevening areas between November 24 and November 29.

Barn fire destroys winter feed at Surrey farm

Officers had received reports of six sheep which had been 'scattered' across a garden at a property on Otford Lane in Halstead.

Police confirmed the hides and entrails of two further sheep were later discovered dumped in a layby on Ovenden Road in Sundridge.

West Yorkshire farmer reveals 'trauma' of dog attack incident

Police Constable Marc Pennicott from Kent Police's Rural Task Force, said enquiries are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents to bring ‘justice' to the farmers affected.

"The theft of so many sheep and the way they were killed is abhorrent," Mr Pennicott added.

Farmers targeted by off-road quad 'gangs' in South Yorkshire

"Our dedicated Rural Task Force is working relentlessly to identify the suspect or suspects and take robust action against them.

"Kent is home to vast expanses of rural land and the force prioritises the protection of its rural communities and works closely with partner agencies to bring those who offend in the countryside to justice."

Anyone with further information should contact Kent Police on 01622604100 and quote reference number 240225.

Over 30 sheep stolen and 3 ewes killed in Powys

Advice

In addition to more visible policing in the area, officers from Kent advised farmers to:

  • Check sheep regularly,Ìý
  • Report any thefts,Ìý
  • Be vigilant, andÌý
  • Report any vehicles parked in rural locations and country lanes which could be involved in the incidents

More on Rural crime

Heartbroken farming family pay tribute to son following fatal collision with drug-driver

Heartbroken farming family pay tribute to son following fatal collision with drug-driver

Yorkshire farmer Richard Sunter died on October 7 2023 when an Iveco HGV collided with his Ford Ranger pick-up towing an unloaded small livestock trailer that was heading towards Cowan Bridge

Chris Brayford
clock 18 March 2026 • 6 min read
Man to appear in court following death of eight-year-old boy on-farm

Man to appear in court following death of eight-year-old boy on-farm

Cumbria Police said Allan Thursby has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of eight-year-old Jay Cartmell at a farm in Warcop

Chris Brayford
clock 18 March 2026 • 2 min read
Recent livestock worrying incidents a reminder of need to strengthen legislation

Recent livestock worrying incidents a reminder of need to strengthen legislation

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 will come into effect on March 18 to give police greater powers to deal with livestock worrying. But it has not stopped incidents from blighting the countryside so far

Chris Brayford
clock 17 March 2026 • 6 min read