Around 4pm on Tuesday 8 August 2012 some sheep and lambs escaped through some fencing and were on the side of Blessington Road, near St Leonards.

Two Launceston men driving past stopped and caught one of the lambs.  One of the men killed the lamb by cutting its throat before putting it in their ute. 

The property owner saw them and went to challenge them, but the vehicle drove off before he got the chance.  The property owner did however record the registration number of the ute.

The matter was reported to Launceston Police and a search warrant was obtained for two addresses, based on the information provided by the land owner.

The search warrant was executed that night, but the lamb had been disposed of before police arrived.  As a result, uniform police continued investigations and on Saturday 11 August 2012, interviewed and charged two men in relation to the incident.

Both men were charged with matters under the Criminal Code Act, 1924, namely:
Stealing, and;
Killing an animal with intent to steal.

One of those charged was a 19 year old man and he was arrested and bailed to appear in court at a later date.  The other offender, a 17 year old youth will be charged on summons. 

Whilst the incidence of stock stealing in the north is at record lows Tasmania Police would like to encourage stock owners to continue to be vigilant and be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicles or activity. 

The success of investigations such as this largely falls on the willingness of the public to become involved and report any suspicious activities.   Any information can be passed on to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, by phoning 131 444, or contacting a local officer or police station.  

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