ONE SHEEP was killed and several others were found roaming around Abergavenny after they were released from the pens at the cattle market in the early hours of Thursday (June 9) morning reports GEMMA HARRIS.

The sheep were waiting to be transported to an abattoir following the day's meeting of Newport Market in the facility.

A spokesman for Abergavenny Market Auctioneers said, "A number of sheep were released from their pens in the market and strayed into the town. Unfortunately, one sheep was killed but the vast majority were retrieved from around the town by Thursday afternoon."

Other reports however, suggest that more sheep may have been killed and injured.

An eyewitness, who lives in a flat overlooking the cattle market said he saw a three men and a number of dogs in the market. "I shouted at the men out of my window when I saw them in the cattle market with the dogs but they give me a load of verbal abuse. There were three men with terrier dogs but when I shouted one of them ran off."

A local man connected with the contractor who transported the sheep to the abattoir said he was on his way to collect his second batch of sheep when he noticed they had been released.

"I had taken the first batch of lambs to the abattoir and was on my way back to collect the second batch when I found they had been released from the holding pens and some had found their way in to town."

Monmouthshire County Council Trading Standards Officer Gareth Walters said, "Some livestock sold at Tuesday's market is kept in pens within a locked cattle shed overnight for collection the following day. 

"We provide for the welfare of the animals by ensuring that they have hay and water.  It appears that the pens were broken into and that sheep were attacked by youths with dogs. 

"One sheep was killed and the others were dispersed across the town although all were later recovered. 

"We understand that auctioneers are looking to put improved security arrangements in place to avoid this sort of incidence reoccurring."

Gwent Police said that two males aged 38 and 18 were arrested and released without no further action but said enquires are on going.