nick
November 28th, 2009, 04:41 AM
The RSPCA has condemned "stupid, irresponsible" pranksters who stole a sheep, put it into a shopping trolley and wheeled it into a supermarket.
The youths were caught on CCTV at 3am as they pushed the sheep into the Asda store in Bexleyheath, south east London, and took photos.
RSPCA inspector Andrew Kirby, who is investigating the incident, said: "This stupid, irresponsible stunt would have terrified this poor sheep and caused it great stress by removing it from its flock.
"We have tracked down the sheep's owner but we can't return it to its flock for six days because of restrictions on the movement of livestock."
He said the sheep appeared to be in good physical condition.
It is believed the sheep, stolen from a farm in the Gravesend area of Kent, was taken by car to the supermarket.
Asda is also appealing for witnesses to the stunt to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Store manager Joe Lock said: "We were shocked to discover that a poor sheep had been wheeled into our store.
"We hope the culprits hand themselves in."
Supermarket staff nicknamed the sheep Rob.
It is against the law to cause an animal unnecessary suffering. The maximum sentence is six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.
Source here (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6674143/Youths-push-shopping-trolley-sheep-into-supermarket.html)(with security camera photograph)
The youths were caught on CCTV at 3am as they pushed the sheep into the Asda store in Bexleyheath, south east London, and took photos.
RSPCA inspector Andrew Kirby, who is investigating the incident, said: "This stupid, irresponsible stunt would have terrified this poor sheep and caused it great stress by removing it from its flock.
"We have tracked down the sheep's owner but we can't return it to its flock for six days because of restrictions on the movement of livestock."
He said the sheep appeared to be in good physical condition.
It is believed the sheep, stolen from a farm in the Gravesend area of Kent, was taken by car to the supermarket.
Asda is also appealing for witnesses to the stunt to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Store manager Joe Lock said: "We were shocked to discover that a poor sheep had been wheeled into our store.
"We hope the culprits hand themselves in."
Supermarket staff nicknamed the sheep Rob.
It is against the law to cause an animal unnecessary suffering. The maximum sentence is six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.
Source here (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6674143/Youths-push-shopping-trolley-sheep-into-supermarket.html)(with security camera photograph)