A global animal charity has warned the perpetrator behind the brutal killing of a sheep in Oxfordshire is a "danger to the whole community".
PETA, which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has urged anyone with information to come forward after a sheep was disembowelled in Shrivenham.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 24, between noon and 1pm.
Thames Valley Police said people working in a field by the canal went on a lunch break at around noon and on their return the sheep had been disembowelled.
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The force believe this was done using tools belonging to the workers left at the scene.
PETA has urged Thames Valley Police to "treat this case with the utmost seriousness".
PETA's vice president for Europe, Mimi Bekhechi, said: "Criminologists report that anyone capable of inflicting such violence on a vulnerable animal will likely not stop there – they pose a danger to the whole community if they’re not urgently apprehended.
"We urge Thames Valley Police to treat this case with the utmost seriousness and anyone with information as to the perpetrator’s identity to come forward immediately, as everyone’s safety is in jeopardy until this person is behind bars or institutionalised."
Gilly, owner of local pet service Gilly's Purrfect Paws, who did not provide her surname, described what has happened as "vile".
READ MORE: Oxfordshire sheep ‘disembowelled’ in brutal killing
She said: “It’s disgusting. It’s the second thing that’s happened recently in the area.
“It’s very bizarre. I’ve lived here for well over 10 years and I have absolutely no idea what's going on because nothing like this has ever happened here.”
She added: “I just hope they find who's done it, and they are dealt with properly.
"Hopefully nothing like this happens again, because its disgusting and vile and not the kind of area I'm used to living it.
"These things don't happen around here.”
READ MORE: Watchfield animal abuse: Police investigating donkey assault
Just last month Thames Valley Police launched an investigation after a donkey was suspected to have been sexually assaulted in Watchfield village, near Shrivenham.
The animal, named Masie, was found unwell by her owner.
Stock image of a farm (Image: NQ)
Thames Valley Police issued a public appeal for more information about the sheep killing yesterday (July 25) evening.
Referring to the sheep killing, a local responded: "Another animal related crime, absolutely awful."
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “The Rural Crime Taskforce is investigating a report of a sheep being killed in Shrivenham.
“If you have any information regarding this offence please call 101 quoting the reference 43240355278.
“Alternatively you can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
A spokesperson for Vale of White Horse District Council said: "We are aware of the incident and that the Thames Valley Police Rural Crime Taskforce are investigating the matter, who are asking the public to report any information regarding the incident to them.”
PETA is an American animal rights non-profit organization based in Virginia, and led by Ingrid Newkirk, its international president.
It exposes animals suffering in laboratories, the food industry and the clothing industry among other places.
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