Animal Welfare investigation ongoing at farm near Whitchurch

West Mercia Police and Shropshire Council’s Animal Health Team executed a warrant in Whixhall yesterday (April 11) after receiving multiple reports of concern from the public.

According to the police here had been animal welfare reports made about the property by multiple members of the public to both the police and to partner agencies about the property.

Shropshire Council confirmed that they and the Animal and Plant Health Agency had been part of the joint operation after being alerted to concerns over “disease control” and the “welfare of animals”.

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Councillor Chris  Schofield, cabinet Member for planning and regulatory services said: “Shropshire Council can confirm that there is an ongoing operation with our colleagues at the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) to assess disease control and welfare of animals at a farm in the Whixall area.

 “As this is currently a live investigation, we cannot go into any further detail.  Our Animal Health Officers are working with APHA who are the lead authority in relation to this, and are supporting them to undertake the necessary checks.”

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “Officers from Wem and Whitchurch Safer Neighbourhood Teams have assisted teams from the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Shropshire Councils Animal Health Team at an address in Whixall to execute a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act.

“This follows a number of reports made to both Police and partner agencies by concerned local residents. Without this information we would not have been able to support our partners to carry out this warrant.

“Should there be any other concerns in relation to animal welfare please continue to report these to the relevant agencies.”