In a distressing incident that has shocked the community of Rostrevor, thirteen lambs were found dead in what authorities have described as a cruel act of violence. The grim discovery came to light on Saturday morning, March 14, when a local farmer arrived at his field only to be confronted with a scene he called “the worst thing I could ever imagine.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Lambs-031526-7714348be6134d8d89762ca1977a9364.jpg)
The lambs were discovered at a farm on Drumsesk Road, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland reported that the animals had died under horrific circumstances. An examination revealed that their necks appeared to have been deliberately broken, prompting an urgent appeal for information from local residents.

Inspector Reynolds of the Police Service expressed grave concern over the incident, labelling it a “shocking crime.” He urged anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual in the area between Friday evening, March 13, and Saturday morning to come forward with information that could assist the investigation.

Kevin McGivern, the owner of the deceased lambs, spoke with the media about his heart-wrenching experience. Arriving at his farm alongside his brother, he immediately sensed that something was amiss. He later recounted witnessing what resembled a crime scene, as he discovered at least 11 of the animals with broken necks, while others appeared to have been strangled.
The emotional distress of the situation deeply affected McGivern, who described the loss as unimaginable. He expressed his heartbreak at losing the young animals and the impact it has had on the surviving sheep. In an effort to provide some comfort to the grieving ewes, McGivern plans to relocate some of the sheep that lost their lambs to his farmyard. He hopes this will enable them to bond with new lambs, although he acknowledged that the process is complicated and must be handled with great care.
“It’s a very difficult job,” McGivern explained. “It’s sort of like a welfare issue to relieve the ewes of the milk. Hopefully, if they adopt another lamb, it makes them feel better. It’s the best of a bad job.” His efforts show the lengths to which farmers go to support their animals in times of distress.
The community is expressing outrage and sadness over the incident. Many residents have taken to social media to voice their shock and disgust, with calls for justice for the lambs. Such acts of violence against livestock are rare, making this incident all the more alarming for the tight-knit local community.
As the investigation continues, police are determined to uncover the truth behind this horrific crime. They have appealed to the public for assistance, asking anyone with potential leads to reach out. The agricultural community, which often relies on trust and care for its animals, is left grappling with the fear that such violence could occur again.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of farm animals and the importance of community vigilance. The local authorities, alongside McGivern and concerned residents, are hopeful that justice will be served, and that the perpetrators of this cruel act will be swiftly brought to account. For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring the safety of livestock in the area.
