Owner of shot alpacas seeks help to treat survivor

The owner of four alpacas shot dead with a rifle has appealed for help with the treatment costs for their surviving animal.

Phoebe, a 15-year-old alpaca, suffered a gunshot wound to the face in March when the herd was attacked in East Hatley, near Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire.

Dawn French, 58, said vet bills were costing up to £250 a day: "They are pleased with her progress but there is still a long way to go."

She added they still had "no clue whatsoever" why the attack happened but thanked everyone who had offered support.

The animals, which had been kept in a field off Main Street for six years, were shot in the head with a rifle between 22 and 23 March.

A ewe was also attacked by a dog and had to be put down.

Animal charity PETA previously offered a £2,500 reward to anyone who could assist the police investigation.

Phoebe's wounds were thought to be superficial until vets found a hole in her mouth, preventing her from eating or drinking.

Ms French said she had launched a fundraiser to pay the vet bills for the animal, who was the first alpaca to be bred on the farm.

"She used to be quite flighty but, with the daily treatment she is having from the vet, has become so calm and trusting. It is like she knows the vet is helping her," she said.

"Its roughly £200 to £250 a day. Because they are herd animals, Frankie [another alpaca] is there with her to keep her calm, then there's treatment every time there are interventions."

She thanked other alpaca owners and "total strangers" for their "incredible support" and donations.

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