Blackwater police investigating after school agriculture program sheep killed

Police are investigating after agriculture students returned to a Central Queensland school on Monday to discover one of their animals had been killed and butchered on the school grounds.

A lamb which was an integral part of the Blackwater State High School's agricultural science program was slaughtered and butchered by an unknown person.

It was meant to be an exciting day for students heading back to school on Monday, but it was a sad start to the new schooling year for agricultural science students at Blackwater State High School.

On Monday morning, local police were called to the school after one of the sheep, which was part of their flock for their Agricultural Science subject, was missing.

Police later found evidence consistent with the animal being slaughtered and butchered on site before the carcass was removed.

The animal was an integral part of the schools agricultural science studies program.

The school’s teachers and students were devastated by the actions of unknown persons.

Detective Sergeant Michael Froggatt from Blackwater CIB attended the scene and described it as a ‘callous, unspeakable act’.

“We will leave no stone unturned in this investigation, and we intent to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice,” he said.

A post on Blackwater State High School’s Facebook page said staff would work to increase security and surveillance at their agricultural plot.

“We were saddened to discover yesterday that one of our new lambs was missing from the Agricultural Plot,” the post on Tuesday said.

“Staff are working with QPS as they investigate the matter. We encourage anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers.

“The Agricultural Plot is closed at present and the school is taking measures to increase security and surveillance.

“Staff and students have been heartened by the positive support from the community at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444 and quote the reference QP2200214918.

Originally published as Blackwater police investigating after school agriculture program sheep killed