Four alpacas mauled to death on farm in Rottweiler attack
Four alpacas have died after being mauled to death by two dogs at a farm in Cambridgeshire.
Two other alpacas were left with facial injuries requiring veterinary care after two dogs attacked livestock at a farm in Wisbech St Mary.
Pictures of the injured alpacas show bloodied noses and part of their fur missing from their face.
The Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) were called to reports of two dogs attacking livestock at 6.30am on March 24.
Officers seized the dogs involved in the attack, and an investigation remains ongoing.
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The team said the recent dog attack on livestock marks the latest in a worrying string of incidents.
Sergeant Tom Nuttall, from the RCAT, said: ‘This was an extremely distressing incident for all involved, and I would like to thank the victim and the dog owner for continuing to be cooperative with our investigation.
‘Livestock worrying is a criminal offence under UK law. Following the introduction of the Dogs Protection of Livestock Amendment Act 2025 last month, llamas and alpacas are now included in the definition of livestock.’
He also issued a reminder to all dog owners to ‘ensure their animals are kept secure and on a lead in the rural areas of our county in a bid to keep all animals safe’.
The attack comes less than a month after the UK government made it law that police can now detain any dogs that could attack cattle, sheep and other livestock.
The advice from RCAT for dog owners also include observing local signage and seasonal rules, prevent pets from escaping by checking fences and gates are secure, and be extra vigilant and aware of surroundings.
The team added ‘only allow dogs off lead in areas free of livestock’ and urged owners to call 101 immediately if their dog is involved in an incident.
Their advice for farmers and landowners include installing clear signage reminfing walkers of the legal requirement, position troughs away from public paths and consider deterrents like electric fencing.
Officers also suggest farmers and landowners can install CCTV to record evidence or take photographs of injuries and cover carcasses to retain DNA evidence.
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