In the run up to Eid and Christmas a crackdown on the illegal slaughter of animals is happening in East Lancashire.
It's against the law to kill and supply meat unless it comes from approved abattoirs - and fines, prison or both can be given to anyone caught.
This is the fourth year running that Ribble Valley and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Councils have teamed up with Preston City Council, the police and Trading Standards to combat the issue.
James Russell, the council's environmental health manager, said, "In recent years, we have uncovered evidence of sheep being slaughtered for trade under poor and possibly cruel conditions, which has serious animal welfare and hygiene implications.
"It is unlawful to kill and supply meat other than from approved abattoirs operating to high standards of hygiene, otherwise the meat may be unsafe to eat and the animals may have suffered needlessly."
He said, "We are not sure of the scale of this illegal trade, but it is important that we enlist the help of residents, farms and businesses in stamping it out."
Surveillance will be carried out in remote areas if Ribble Valley and the police will be targeting vehicles suspected of carrying illegal meat.
Animal health officers from Trading Standards and vets from the Department of Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will also be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
James Russell added, "We will endeavour to use the full weight of the law against premises involved in the supply of illegal meat."
Ribble Valley residents with information about the illegal slaughter of animals, or who see suspicious activity in remote areas, are asked to contact Ribble Valley Borough Council's environmental health department in confidence on 01200 414468.
It's against the law to kill and supply meat unless it comes from approved abattoirs - and fines, prison or both can be given to anyone caught.
This is the fourth year running that Ribble Valley and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Councils have teamed up with Preston City Council, the police and Trading Standards to combat the issue.
James Russell, the council's environmental health manager, said, "In recent years, we have uncovered evidence of sheep being slaughtered for trade under poor and possibly cruel conditions, which has serious animal welfare and hygiene implications.
"It is unlawful to kill and supply meat other than from approved abattoirs operating to high standards of hygiene, otherwise the meat may be unsafe to eat and the animals may have suffered needlessly."
He said, "We are not sure of the scale of this illegal trade, but it is important that we enlist the help of residents, farms and businesses in stamping it out."
Surveillance will be carried out in remote areas if Ribble Valley and the police will be targeting vehicles suspected of carrying illegal meat.
Animal health officers from Trading Standards and vets from the Department of Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will also be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
James Russell added, "We will endeavour to use the full weight of the law against premises involved in the supply of illegal meat."
Ribble Valley residents with information about the illegal slaughter of animals, or who see suspicious activity in remote areas, are asked to contact Ribble Valley Borough Council's environmental health department in confidence on 01200 414468.
