Calf blinded by thugs

The incident happened at about 1.30pm last Tuesday. The boys are thought to be two aged 15 and two just 10.

PC Steve Croftsaid: "Wires were cut. Gates were opened, which let animals get in with each other - sheep in with cows. On closer inspection, the farmer found that the calf had been injured in the right eye".

Although veterinary attention was sought immediately, the animal is now blinded in that eye.

PC Croft said: "The vet found no trace of infection, indicating a very recent wound. The calf has been treated with antibiotics but there is nothing more that the veterinary surgeon can do for it".

He added: "The vet cannot definitely say that the injury has been caused by a missile. There was nothing in the eye socket.

"It could have been spooked and run into a fence. But more likely we are looking at someone with a catapult."

The farmer, who asked not to be named, said: "Appalling. The vet described the incident as wild and scatty.

"The calf could have been put down. And due to the torment he's been through, he now panics and runs whenever he sees someone".

The British White male calf was a beef rather than breeding animal. Its value to the farmer would have been 200 but now is likely to be less.

RSPCA Inspector Rachel Bell said: "This young calf has sustained serious injury - and the pain and suffering appears to have been caused deliberately.

"We need to stamp out cruelty and anyone with information can contact me (quoting incident number 502-4-8) on 0870 55 55 999. Calls will be treated in the strictest confidence".

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously, by freephone, on 0800 555 111. Or should members of the public wish to speak to PC Croft regarding this case, he can be contacted on 0845 60 70 999.