Four Arrests After Suspected Illegal Pig Farm Discovered In Harborough District

Four men were arrested after Police discovered a suspected illegal pig farm in the Harborough District.

A number of pigs, which are believed to have been slaughtered illegally, were found at the farm in the village of Leire on Saturday morning.

Other pigs had to be put down by a vet, while a number of others were seized by Leicestershire Trading Standards.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police told Hfm: “Police were called at around 8am on Saturday to a farm in Dunton Road, Leire, following concern regarding a large number of vehicles which were parked at the location.

“Force wildlife officers based within Harborough Neighbourhood Policing Area attended the scene where a number of pigs were found which were believed to have been slaughtered illegally.

“A vet was called to the scene. A number of pigs had to be euthanised by the vet. Other pigs which were at the farm were taken into possession of Leicestershire County Council.

“Contact was also made by the officers with Leicestershire Trading Standards and the RSPCA.

“The investigation, which is now being led by Leicestershire Trading Standards, is continuing.”

A man aged 72 from Leicester, two men aged 31 from Birmingham and a 34-year-old man from Coventry were all arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

They have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council told Hfm: “Officers from Leicestershire Trading Standards were called out to the farm by Leicestershire Police and have removed a number of pigs from the site.

“Our investigation is ongoing and we will continue to work closely with the police.”