It’s no picnic! Al fresco lamb slaughter on Eid at County Durham lake

This is reported as happening on Friday, which was Eid by many mosques reckoning. David Atherton tweeted it this morning. I had already seen it; the facebook profile of the original observer looks to be that of a genuine local resident (I won’t link to preserve their privacy as far as is possible) and it has been reported to the police, for potential livestock theft if nothing else untoward.

A man came across this group of Asians at the Derwent reservoir playing music, singing & enjoying the fresh air. It appears they had killed, gutted & eating a sheep as they hung the carcass up by a tree, with a large knife sticking out.

The original observer described pieces being carved off the carcass but doesn’t mention any campfire for cooking.

Both the original observer and David Atherton have reported it to the Durham Constabulary. Derwent Reservoir is a man-made lake on the border of Durham and  Northumberland; it should not be confused with Derwentwater the lake in the Lake District some miles west, or the district round the other River Derwent in the Derbyshire Peak district.

Possible causes for police attention are i) was the animal stolen? Theft of livestock is a common problem. The Farming forum discussion group have a few things to say about people who steal sheep. ii) was slaughter in accordance with humane regulations? iii) Public hygiene considerations – disposal of carcass – biohazard carcass fluids, etc.