victims of sheep theft, they set up a collective

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300. This is the number of sheep stolen in 2023 for 35 facts in Loire-Atlantique. A figure that has continued to grow over the years. Victim of theft, Élodie Crossouard, breeder at Sion-les-Mines (Loire-Atlantique) set up a collective with around fifty other breeders affected. A fight that has only just begun.

Loire-Atlantique: victims of sheep theft, they set up a collective

Farms in Loire-Atlantique are particularly affected, and for good reason, “80 Roma camps are present in Loire-Atlantique and part of Maine-et-Loire,” explains Élodie Crossouard.

This population would be at the origin of his numerous thefts. Supporting evidence, members of the collective regularly share photos of animals robbed, tortured and killedfound in the camps. “There have always been thefts, but they increased during the health crisis. More than 350 sheep have been declared stolen,” she announces.

It is in 2018 that the collective was born, bringing together 56 members of Loire-Atlantique. Professionals and multi-active people.

This allowed us to come together, to find options, solutions. To know how to run our farms.

The national gendarmerie is also on their side to combat these illegal acts. Together, they communicate regularly.

Among many breeders, hunting cameras worth €500 each are placed in the four corners of the farms, at the expense of the breeders. As soon as they are triggered, breeders can directly alert the police, via a joint communication chat. “Since the Covid period, they have carried out more patrols in the area, day and night”adds Élodie Crossouard.

Be heard

On several occasions, members of the collective tried to alert the government. They wrote a letter to the minister of agriculture et met the prefect. I just don't.

“We also tried to media action to make citizens react. We had taken 350 sheep to NantesPlace Verne, from morning until afternoon,” says the breeder from Sion-les-Mines.

A lawyer was also hired by the collective, because, if agricultural livestock are affected, it is also their turnover which takes a hit. Without them, no reproduction, no sales, no herds.

“Regarding the psychological aspect, we do it among ourselves. We support each other, we help each other,” she confides.

The collective hopes have references almost everywhere in the territorywho can act in town halls. “They are already playing the game, but it takes a long time to put it in place.”

Without forgetting that the collective awaits support from Nantes Métropolewhich could intervene more directly in Roma camps.

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