The dumping of dead goats in a forest in Somerset has left the landowner utterly perplexed.

Four carcasses were found at a quarry in woodland between Wiveliscombe and Fitzhead village last month.

Local residents and the farmer who owns the land were surprised to learn about the gruesome discovery in an official notice attached to railing at the top of a steep drop down through the woodland.

Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, which recently placed it there, confirmed to local media that they had received a report from a member of the public in September that four goat carcasses had been dumped at a quarry.

‘Attempts were made to identify the landowner, including through a Land Registry search, but these were unsuccessful. A sign was therefore put up at the site on Tuesday 22 September to deter any further illegal disposal of farm animal carcasses in the area,’ a spokesperson said.

‘We have received no further reports or feedback relating to the site. Officers may continue to visit the area when nearby on other business.

‘The illegal disposal of farm animal carcasses can present a disease risk and is a criminal offence…(which) can result in an unlimited fine and/or up to two years’ imprisonment on conviction.’

The notice at the site called on anyone with information regarding the ‘illegal disposal of farmed animal carcasses in this area’ to contact tradingstandards@devon.gov.uk

A local farmer, who asked not to be named, said: ‘The first I knew was when I saw the notice when I went by, but I don’t know anything about it. It is my woodland and I wish someone would come and tell me what is going on.’

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