Originally from: Molly Maxwell
                        
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Originally from: "Ananova" <533...>
To: Molly Maxwell <...>
Subject: 'Random shots' slaughterman escapes prosecution – Ananova Alerting Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2001 14:58:00 GMT

A slaughterman allegedly caught on film taking random shots at sheep will not be prosecuted.

The man was ordered to cull the animals during the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The RSPCA says it is frustrated at being unable to bring a prosecution.

The 32-year-old from Abergavenny was filmed in Monmouthshire firing at the stray sheep in an open field and allegedly chasing a wounded animal to finish it off.

RSPCA chief veterinary officer Chris Laurence says the case was dropped following legal advice that the slaughterman is unlikely to be convicted because he was operating in difficult circumstances.

"We are extremely frustrated by this situation. We have done everything we can, but the RSPCA can only act within the law," he said.

"What we now want to see are guidelines issued under the Foot and Mouth Order which clearly define the way culling operations are planned and handled.

"In particular we would like to see a suitably-experienced vet on-hand to advise and supervise in all cases."

The charity says it had obtained expert evidence showing that a ewe had suffered after being shot from a distance of about 20 yards.

The man's attempts to kill the animals in the village of Gilwern in April brought widespread condemnation after a retired couple filmed the episode from their loft.

*Foot-and-mouth story sent by Ananova