UNSHORN sheep in Parkend were suffering in the heat on Monday and Tuesday, with no shade or access to water, according to concerned residents who reported the incident to trading standards.
The owner of the sheep has been instructed by Gloucestershire County Council to take the necessary steps to improve the welfare of the animals.
Claire Preest contacted the Review about the animals, saying: “These sheep were dumped on the side of the road in their winter coats in 31 degree heat. They are really struggling. They’re covered in maggots and brambles and many are looking after young.
“They congregate near the road to lick the salt as they are never given mineral blocks. These free-roaming sheep live in terrible conditions. I’ve been out and given them water myself, but it’s not my responsibility.”
Claire’s mother Christine Preest, added; “We’re told the sheep can find shade and water in the Forest, but they don’t – they stay where they are left. How often do you ever see sheep in the woodlands? They are dumped on the edge of the road and that’s where they stay. We’ve been campaigning about this for years as the sheep we see are not well cared for.”
Mick Holder of the Forest of Dean Commoners’ Association, which speaks on behalf of sheep badgers in the Dean, said: “I’ve been made aware of this situation by two concerned residents as well as by the district council and West Dean Parish Council.
“Unfortunately there is no date by which the law says owners need to shear their sheep, but there is a law that says you should not expose sheep to suffering of any description. If the sheep have grubs or fly strike which has not been treated that’s an offence and the owner can be prosecuted.
“I contacted a member of the Commoners’ Association on Monday morning to advise him to bring his sheep in for shearing.
“The association does not uphold any neglect or ill-treatment of animals. It gets us all a bad name.
“I also understand that these sheep are unmarked and that is against the bylaws of the Forest.”
Andy Hermiston, head of trading standards for the county council, said: “We were made aware of a situation regarding sheep that appeared excessively hot.
“An officer visited the site and has made contact with the owner of the sheep. We have instructed them to take the necessary steps for the welfare of the sheep and reminded them of their duty of care.
“We always welcome information people pass on to us if they have concerns about any animal’s health.”
A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission said: “We issue a letter to all graziers in the summer each year, to
remind them that all sheep, after being shorn, must be properly marked before being turned out on the Forest. The only exception to this is for lambs, which may remain unmarked up to the end of July each year.
“Unmarked sheep may be lifted and impounded under the Forestry Commission bylaws. Where there is a welfare issue, the Gloucestershire trading standards team will get involved.”
For further information regarding welfare of livestock in the Forest, visit www.glos.tradingstandards.uk