THE return of free-roaming sheep to the Forest of Dean looks certain to spark off a demonstration by a national group of animal welfare activists.

The group, National Organisation Working Against Live Exports, say they will be closely monitoring the situation in the Forest and say it is highly probable that unless there is a significant improvement in welfare – such as fencing the animals off the roads – they will plan a demonstration.

"The question of improved welfare can only change if the sheep are no longer allowed to roam on the roads," spokesman James Bucknor told the Review.

He said he had made the views of the protest group known to the district council and was disappointed there appeared to be such a negative response.

"Unfortunately there is not a legal stand we can take. Foot and mouth should have wised people up and we thought it presented an opportunity to improve the welfare issue.

"It is such a tragedy. The cost of the sheep to business and the community at large must be phenomenal – destruction of gardens, injuries or death to animals involved in road accidents, damage to vehicles, veterinary costs, the expense of carcass disposal and the remove of sheep mess," he said.

Mr Bucknor said that at the very least NOWALE had hoped the authorities would insist upon sheep owners taking out an insurance policy and being made to ear-tag their animals to make ownership very clear.

"We see insurance as a way of putting the onus and responsibility on the shoulders of the owners," he said. "Clearly identifiable tags would then enable victims to claim against them."

Mr Bucknor said that local members of the group would be keeping a very close watch on the situation.