Sheep deaths at West Dean not caused by a helicopter

Police investigating the deaths of 116 sheep at West Dean, near Chichester, have narrowed down the time of the incident to a few hours on Monday, March 7.
Farmer Gordon Wyeth found his sheep deadFarmer Gordon Wyeth found his sheep dead
Farmer Gordon Wyeth found his sheep dead

Sergeant Tom Carter said: “I am extremely grateful to people who have called in with information and suggestions about this horrific event.

“As a result, we now know that the sheep were alive around 10am on the Monday, only three to four hours before they were found dead.

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“We have ruled out the cause being a low-flying helicopter and while we have considered a suggestion that sheep rustlers may have been involved, we have had no other reports of rustling in Sussex and given the new timeframe, this makes it extremely unlikely.

“We continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to email [email protected] or call 101 quoting serial 862 of 07/03.

“With Easter just around the corner, more people will be getting out into the countryside with their dogs and we would urge them again to keep their dogs on a lead while they are walking in rural areas and around livestock.

“Even the most docile of pets can quickly turn into a killer given the opportunity.

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“A farmer can legally shoot a dog that is chasing livestock and seek compensation from the person responsible for the animal, so please don’t take the risk.”

*A Justgiving site has raised £2,600 for the sheep farmer.

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