TWO men have been arrested at a ‘horrific’ illegal Pembrokeshire slaughterhouse involved in the production of ‘smokies’.

Following the arrests on Monday, January 21, distressing images of the squalid conditions at the illegal slaughterhouse were released.

Some 15 sheep, including carcasses, were found at the address, which has not yet been released.

Council officers, police and other agencies have been investigating.

Posting on Twitter yesterday, January 22, Dyfed-Powys Police Rural Crime Team praised the importance of agencies working together: “A little re-cap of yesterday’s horrific job...the importance of community intelligence, communication and our vital relationships with our partner agencies and the exposure of such illegal practices.”

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire county council said: “Pembrokeshire County Council can confirm that two arrests were made on Monday, January 21, at an address in the Pembroke area in relation to an investigation into the illegal slaughter of animals and the production of ‘smokies’.

“The individuals arrested have been released pending ongoing enquiries.

“Investigations are underway relating to a range of potential offences under food safety, animal by-products, and animal welfare legislation.

“Approximately 15 sheep (including sheep carcasses) were found at the address.

‘Smokies’ are a processed sheep product which are considered to be a delicacy by some ethnic (West African) communities.

“They cannot be legally produced and the sheep are always slaughtered, processed, distributed and sold illegally on the black market, typically in urban areas with large ethnic communities.”