Rural crime

Members of the public have raised hundreds of pounds for an Angus farm, after arsonists set fire to straw bales.

Rural groups have urged farmers to be extra vigilant for fly-tippers after the coronavirus lockdown has triggered a spike in incidents.

Intelligence from members of the farming community has played a vital role in two recent operations, which saw police recover stolen farm machinery worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Farmers are being warned to take extra care to ensure livestock and machinery are protected from theft as thieves try to cash in on demand for food amid the Covid-19 crisis.

A smallholder has been the victim of several livestock worrying incidences which has left the family devastated and uncertain about the viability of their business.

Police have urgently appealed to the public for more information after eighteen sheep were deliberately run over and killed in Warwickshire.

Farm groups call for urgent government reform of ‘inadequate’ hare coursing laws

Using DNA to identify rogue dogs worrying sheep is being considered in a major crackdown to protect moorland flocks.

Farmers have spoken out about the devastating impacts livestock worrying has had on their livelihoods, following the ravaging of their farm animals in a string of dog attacks.

Dog attacks on farm animals have cost the UK agricultural sector £1.2 million, according to a report by NFU Mutual.