Alpacas Attacked After Dog Escapes Lead in Hertfordshire
Chaos broke out on the morning of Sunday 17 July when a dog off its lead jumped a barbed wire fence and charged into land housing alpacas. Three animals—Regency, Lily, and Holly—were chased, leaving one badly injured. Four months on, that alpaca still needs daily treatment, while the two elderly alpacas, aged 17, are struggling to move.
Owner’s Heartbreak and Warning to Dog Walkers
Herts Alpacas owner Nigel Beckwith was blunt about the fallout. “Sadly, everyone suffers when 1 attack livestock,” he said. “Farmers pick up the pieces emotionally and financially, often nursing injuries indefinitely or facing the gut-wrenching choice to euthanise.”
Nigel warned dog owners face serious risks too. “Farmers have the legal right to shoot dogs attacking livestock. All this can be avoided if owners keep dogs on leads—even on fenced land and even with a dog you trust.”
Dog Owner Admits Guilt and Pays Compensation
The dog’s owner, a woman in her 60s, fully cooperated with police and admitted responsibility. She agreed to pay £2,000 in compensation.
“The owner was mortified. Her dog had always been trustworthy with perfect recall,” Nigel recalled. “But as this shows, no dog can be trusted 100%. I urge all dog walkers to keep pets on a lead.”
