A Carmarthenshire farmer who admitted to stealing over 70 pregnant sheep from a neighbouring farm has been handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to theft.
Hywel Williams, 40, of Llangadog, took at least 73 in-lamb ewes in March from land owned by fellow farmer Rhodri Llyr Evans near Llandysul. The theft, which Williams attributed to overwhelming financial stress, caused what Evans described as “unbearable stress” to both his livelihood and personal life.
The stolen sheep were later recovered by Dyfed-Powys Police following a public appeal, which was widely shared, garnering more than 700 shares online. The animals were found across multiple locations, including Williams’ land, a local auction mart, and an abattoir, with many of the sheep missing their identifying ear tags. Additional sheep were discovered to have been given to another farmer as a way of settling a personal debt.
Inspector Matthew Howells praised the community’s involvement in aiding the investigation, stating: “The support from farming communities near and afar has been vitally important in securing a positive outcome. I’d also like to thank those who came forward with information, which enabled my officers to respond quickly, ensuring the safe return of these animals to their rightful owners.”
Appearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Williams was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. In addition, he was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community service and pay over £5,000 in compensation to Mr. Evans.
Williams, who runs a 113-hectare (280-acre) farm with his elderly uncle, told the court he acted under financial pressure and acknowledged the harm he had caused.
“I deeply regret my actions and feel ashamed,” he said, according to BBC Wales.
The case highlights a broader issue of livestock theft, which has surged across the UK in recent years. The crime cost an estimated £2.7 million in 2023 alone and presents serious concerns for animal welfare and public health, as stolen animals are often moved through unregulated and illicit channels.
In response to the rising trend, police forces are increasingly turning to forensic methods to track stolen livestock. In 2024, the National Farmers’ Union Mutual Insurance Group funded a dedicated livestock theft officer role at the National Rural Crime Unit, reflecting growing concern over the scale and impact of rural crime.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of agricultural theft while acknowledging the complex pressures facing rural communities.
