Two men from Kent have been charged following the death of a sheep after an incident in the South Downs.
Sussex Police received reports an animal had been attacked close to Ditchling Beacon in East Sussex on the evening of November 2, 2023.
Leighton Ashby, 31, of Beckett Road, Ashford and Oakley Hollands, 20, of Mussenden Lane, Horton Kirby, near Dartford, have now both been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
The pair will appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on August 7 to face the charges.
Supt Rachel Swinney from Sussex Police said: “This report was treated with the seriousness it deserved, and a thorough investigation was carried out.
“We have also engaged with the owner of the sheep, local farmers and the wider community to provide reassurance and advice.
“I would urge the public not to speculate on the details of this incident while the court process is ongoing.”
