A SHEEP owner who has been allowing their animals to roam freely at Clifford's Mesne has had them impounded by police, who were acting after they had received over 40 complaints about free-roaming animals in the area since the beginning of the year.

Both sheep and horses have been reported roaming the roads and gardens of the area, and police have acted in response to a loud outcry from the local community. The impounded sheep are to be sold at auction to recoup the costs of the operation.

A shepherd and two sheepdogs were involved in the round-up of the flock of seven sheep, overseen by local police officer PC Brian Howard.

PC Howard said: The problems of horses and sheep roaming free in the area has been on our radar for a while, with local residents reporting animals causing an obstruction on the road and trashing gardens, fences and other property in the process.

"As police we have a responsibility to move the animals on to the nearest piece of land and try to identify the owners.

"Unfortunately despite our best efforts no one has ever acknowledged ownership of the horses, but in the case of the sheep we know they have a market value and can be sold to recoup costs if necessary, so we took this action."

He added: "The owners did come forward this time but are not willing to pay the costs. Therefore they will pay the consequences and in the process the community will be afforded some relief."

On the ongoing problems of free roaming animals in the Clifford Mesne and May Hill areas, PC Howard said: "We will continue to work to resolve any further issues in the area and would make a plea to all owners to do the right thing and accept responsibility for their animals.

"The community has suffered a great deal so far because of this and we will do everything we can to make sure the situation improves."