DETAILS about the discovery of an illegal slaughterhouse which resulted in two arrests on Monday (Jan 21) have been revealed.
15 sheep were discovered at the local in the Pembroke area, amongst carcasses in a ‘horrific’ location.
Pembrokeshire County Council has said that ‘smokies’ was being produced, which is a processed sheep product considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world.
Two people have been arrested and released as police enquiries continue.
Warning: Distressing image below.
“Pembrokeshire County Council can confirm that two arrests were made on Monday, January 21, at an address in the Pembroke area in relation to an investigation into the illegal slaughter of animals and the production of ‘smokies’.
“The individuals arrested have been released pending ongoing enquiries.
“Investigations are underway relating to a range of potential offences under food safety, animal by-products, and animal welfare legislation.
“Approximately 15 sheep (including sheep carcasses) were found at the address.
“‘Smokies’ are a processed sheep product which are considered to be a delicacy by some ethnic (West African) communities.
“They cannot be legally produced and the sheep are always slaughtered, processed, distributed and sold illegally on the black market, typically in urban areas with large ethnic communities.”
Dyfed-Powys Police’s Rural Policing Team added: “A little re-cap of yesterday’s horrific job… the importance of community intelligence, communication and our vital relationships with our partner agencies and the exposure of such illegal practices.”
