People have been warned not to consume meat from cattle stolen from a Sassafras property in the past month as it is unsuitable for human consumption.

The Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment has deemed several cattle being kept at a leased property in Lovetts Flat Road, Sassafras, as ‘Unsuitable for Human Consumption’ due to high lead content.

Sometime between about 1pm on 16 February and 1pm on Thursday 2 March 2017, two of the cattle were removed from the herd.

Police believe the cattle were then led up the loading ramps to the race where they were loaded onto another vehicle. They have most likely been killed prior to their removal from the property.

Advice from DPIPWE is that people should not consume the meat due to the high lead content. In addition, the way the cattle was slaughtered poses a potential health risk.

If you’ve been offered free or cheap meat on the North-West  –verify where it was sourced first. If you can’t – don’t eat it, due to the possible high lead content.

Anyone who has any information, or witnessed any suspicious activity in the Lovetts Road area between 16 February and 2 March should contact Latrobe Police on 131444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.