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Animal Rights Activists On Trial Over Sandringham Lambs

Wednesday, 23 September 2026 18:53

Three Animal Rising activists are on trial accused of stealing lambs from the King’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk during 2023.

Three animal rights activists have gone on trial accused of stealing three lambs from the King’s Sandringham Estate.

Sarah Foy, Rosa Sharkey and Rose Patterson are appearing at Norwich Crown Court over an incident at Appleton Farm in West Newton in May 2023.

The women, who are members of campaign group Animal Rising, do not dispute that they took the three animals from the farm.

However, they deny theft.

The jury has been told that the key issue is whether the women acted dishonestly when they removed the lambs and took them to an undisclosed location.

The animals were subsequently named Sammy, Sunny and Sooty by the campaigners.

The court heard that the women went to police the following day and said they had taken what they described as necessary steps to “rescue” the animals.

In statements given to police, they said they believed King Charles, or those responsible for the lambs, would have consented to their removal because of their concerns about animal welfare.

The prosecution says there was no lawful reason for the animals to be taken and argues they were property belonging to somebody else.

The defence disputes that the women acted dishonestly.

The trial at Norwich Crown Court continues.

 

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