EVIDENCE indicating that animals are being illegally slaughtered in Rossendale has been uncovered.

Rossendale Council has joined forces with the police after farm animal offal was found in the sewers in the Ewood Bridge area.

Local authorities have been working together to stop the illegal trade in meat in the run up to Christmas and the Muslim celebration Eid-ul-Adha, which involves the sacrifice of an animal.

Joint enforcement action carried out for the first time last year showed that several farms across Lancashire had been approached by people offering to buy and slaughter live stock onsite.

Coun Janet Graham, said: “The council is more concerned than ever that livestock are being slaughtered in contravention of food hygiene regulations.

“Anyone who illegally slaughters animals can be fined up to £5,000 or sent to prison for up to two years.

“We are not yet sure of the scale of this illegal trade, but we want to enlist the help of residents, farms and businesses in stamping it out.”

The council’s environmental health department has set up surveillance in the hope to catch those responsible for the recent illegal activity.

Environmental health manager Philip Mepham said: “Animals must be checked by a vet before slaughter and the meat inspected afterwards to certify it is fit to eat.

“It is unlawful to kill and supply meat other than from approved abattoirs operating to high standards of hygiene, otherwise the meat may be unsafe to eat and the animals may have suffered needlessly.”

Anyone with any information about the illegal slaughter of animals is asked to contact the environmental health department on 01706 252565.