Chard farmer's anger at teens

By [sforrester]

A CHARD farmer could lose £15,000 and see three years of careful planning dashed after youths went into fields and mixed up different breeds of livestock.

Their actions may have ruined a pedigree breeding line of cattle that Roger Darch of Green Acres farm was perfecting.

He is already £150 out of pocket due to vets bills and said he wants those responsible to realise how much work goes into breeding cattle.

Police said the youths have been scaring the animals and causing them to move from field to field, mixing with the wrong breeds.

Mr Darch said: "This is a three-year job at the very least and I've invested a lot of time and money into breeding pedigree cattle.

"Around four youths have been coming in to the fields, opening the internal gates I put up and mixing up my herds.

"This could have led to cross breeding. Now, I need to wait to see if any of the cows are in calf and if they have been mating with the wrong breeds. If so, I will lose a lot more than I have on vet's bills.

"This always happens late at night and has taken place three times this week. It is very aggravating and disappointing.

"I've seen these youths in the fields and call the police, but what am I supposed to do about it by myself? Nobody in this day and age would go out and confront a group of youths."

Mr Darch's land backs onto Oaklands Avenue, which police say is where the group has been gaining access.

Police said the cows had been so frightened by what is going on that several of the pregnant animals had aborted calves.

Mr Darch said: "I just hope these people will realise what they are putting these animals through and the effect it's having on me as well."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 08454 567000.