Agricultural college students are arrested after ‘disturbing’ attack on sheep who was ‘blown up with a firework while still alive’
- Two students, aged 18 and 20, were arrested in connection with the incident
Two agriculture students have been arrested after a ‘disturbing’ attack on a sheep that was allegedly blown up with fireworks while it was still alive.
Four students from Plumpton College, West Sussex, picked up the grazing sheep and kicked it in the head before splitting it open and stuffing it with fireworks, a local farmer said.
Two students, aged 18 and 20, have been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and criminal damage.
The ‘horrific’ incident near Ditchling Beacon, West Sussex, is said to have occurred on November 2.
Plumpton College has now permanently expelled the pair, while the other students withdrew from their courses ‘to safeguard student welfare and the integrity of the police investigation’.
A local farmer said four students from Plumpton College (pictured) picked up the grazing sheep and kicked it in the head before splitting it open and filling it with fireworks.
The ‘horrific’ incident near Ditchling Beacon, West Sussex (pictured) is said to have occurred on November 2
Hadlow Down farmer Michael Lunn said: ‘It was the most horrific example of animal cruelty.’
Mr Lunn said the group had put ‘a rookie’ in the sheep and ‘blew it up’.
The pair, both from Kent, were released on conditional bail while the police investigation continued.
Jeremy Kerswell, Principal of Plumpton College, said: “We remain shocked by this incident and saddened by the impact this has had on our other students, staff and the wider community.
“We have always understood and reflected the depth of feelings caused by this incident, which in no way represents our values and the high standards we strive for every day.
‘Our thanks go to those who have supported us during this difficult time.
‘We will of course reflect and learn from this experience and do everything we can to continue training our students in exemplary animal welfare practices.’
Police have arrested two people after reports of the death of a sheep on the South Downs near the Ditchling Beacon.
Two men from Kent – aged 20 and 18 – have been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and criminal damage.
Both have been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.
Chief Inspector Rachel Swinney said: “A thorough investigation into this disturbing report is underway, which we are treating very seriously.
‘We have engaged with the council, which has taken its own internal disciplinary action and fully supports our investigation.
‘We have also been working with the sheep owner, local farmers and the wider community to provide reassurance and advice.
‘Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can contact police online or on 101, quoting Op Chelmsford.’
A police investigation is still ongoing.