Exclusive by Alan Quick

A LANDOWNER between Cheriton Bishop and Crediton has had to pay £250 for the removal of dumped dead chicken on her land, not once but twice.

Rotting chicken carcasses, believed to have been several bag fulls, were tipped in a field belonging to the landowner, who asks not to be named.

Mid Devon District Councillor Derek Coren, who has been assisting the landowner, said that the lady first discovered a pile of rotting chicken carcasses three weeks ago and again last week.

He explained: “After notifying the appropriate authorities, because the carcasses were dumped on private land, she has had to pay for disposal by registered contractors, not once, but twice, at a cost of £250 each time.

“I think they were broiler chicken and they were decomposing. Foxes had spread some of the carcasses around the field and the piles of carcasses were beginning to give off an horrendous stench.

“Her field was near a roadside and it looked like someone had just stopped a pick-up or some other vehicle right beside the road and tipped them in her field.

“It is unfortunate that she has to pay, having notified Environmental Health, the Police etc.

“I have also been made aware that there was a similar incidence of chicken carcasses dumped on property at North Tawton in the last few weeks as well, so I guess someone locally is doing it?

“I just want to warn people to be alert about any suspicious vehicle activity in the area and to take a registration number of a vehicle if anyone has any concerns.”

Finding the chicken carcasses has also prompted fears about Avian influenza (bird flu).

The Government Chief Vet confirmed new measures to protect against avian flu earlier this year that take a more targeted approach to controlling the current outbreak of the disease in the UK.

Following plans set out earlier this year, all poultry keepers across England must continue to observe strict biosecurity and disease prevention measures.

The NFU recently said that farmers dumping animal carcasses in remote areas in the dead of night are not only risking prosecution but they are also putting the bio-security of other farmers at risk as well.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Mid Devon District Council Environmental Health are investigating the incidents.

If you can help the police with their enquiries, please telephone 101.

You can also give information anonymously using the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.