Investigations ongoing after meat waste dumped
Investigations are continuing to find out who was responsible for dumping more than 20 large crates of decomposing chicken carcasses and other waste meat.
The waste was dumped in various locations on the outskirts of Darlington, crossing the border into County Durham.
Darlington Borough Council received a report from a member of the public on 14 November 2019 that chicken carcasses had been dumped by the entrance to Toy Top picnic area off the A68. Civic Enforcement Officers, who attended the scene, found more carcasses dumped next to a bin in a layby on the A68. Details were passed to Trading Standards’ animal health team for further investigation.
A few days later, the council received another report that crates of chicken carcasses had been found in a lay-by on the B6275 and another dump of carcasses was also discovered in a layby on the A68.
All the carcasses found were taken away for disposal. Darlington Trading Standards’ animal health team has been following up leads and is working with colleagues from other local authorities and agencies to find the culprits and bring them to justice.
Dawn Taylor, Trading Standards and Animal Health Manager, said: “These unscrupulous individuals made a conscious decision to use fairly quiet laybys to dump this animal waste rather than disposing of it properly and legally. No stone will be left unturned in our hunt for those responsible. The public are our eyes and ears on the ground. If anyone has any information that could help us, please come forward.”
Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Stronger Communities, said: “No one has the right to blight and pollute our environment in this way. Illegal dumping of this type can spread diseases which pose a risk to human and animal health. Please keep vigilant and if you see anything suspicious, report it.”
Anyone with information can report it to Trading Standards, anonymously if they wish, using the Report an Illegal Trader online form at https://www.darlington.gov.uk/your-council/trading-standards/