Animal Rising activists convicted of stealing lambs from Sandringham Estate

Three activists from the animal rights group Animal Rising have been convicted of theft following the removal of three lambs from King Charles III’s Sandringham Estate in May 2023. A jury at Norwich Crown Court found Rosa Sharkey, 26, Sarah Foy, 26, and Rose Patterson, 37, guilty after less than four hours of deliberation.

The activists admitted to taking the animals but argued their actions were a rescue mission to prevent the lambs from being sent to slaughter. They claimed the King might have consented to the action due to his long-standing commitment to animal welfare. However, prosecutors dismissed this defense as “obvious nonsense,” characterizing the act as a dishonest attempt to publicize their views.

The group reportedly crossed a low electric fence to access the flock and spent time near the animals to ensure they became accustomed to them before loading them into a vehicle. While the activists have stated they have no intention of returning the lambs and have not disclosed their current location, court proceedings confirmed the animals are currently “alive and well.” Sentencing for the three women is expected to be announced at a later date.