EIGHT sheep carcasses were found dumped in a lay-by between Milverton and Wiveliscombe last week despite the current Foot and Mouth livestock restrictions.

Members of Somerset County Council's animal health and welfare team discovered the dead animals discarded in the lay-by on the B3227, on Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday evening two sheep carcasses were found. However, when the team were called to dispose of them on Friday morning they found a further six strewn across the road and in adjacent hedges.

The dumping of animal carcasses is illegal and can cause serious risk of disease.

All animal carcasses should be disposed of via approved premises. Illegal dumping of animals or animal parts can result in a £5,000 fine per animal and a custodial sentence.

Eirian Williams, team leader of Somerset County Council's animal health and welfare team, said: "The dumping of animal carcasses at any time is a serious issue, in particular now, when the Foot and Mouth Disease livestock restrictions are in place.

"Whoever is responsible for this action is letting their colleagues within the farming industry down badly. Fortunately they were not Foot and Mouth infected, but it could have been a lot worse as there's a field full of cattle adjacent to the lay-by - it could have been disastrous.

"The majority of farmers have worked closely with Somerset County Council to abide to all livestock restrictions and regulations."

*For more on this story and pix see this week's Somerset County Gazette.