Police are appealing for information following a disturbing incident in which four alpacas and a sheep were shot dead in East Hatley, near Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire.
The attack occurred sometime between 6pm on Saturday, March 22 and 8.30am on Sunday, March 23, at a property off Main Street. A fifth alpaca also sustained a gunshot wound to the face but miraculously survived the ordeal.
Officers from the Rural Crime Action Team have launched an investigation and carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area. They are now calling on members of the public to come forward with any information that may help identify those responsible for what they described as a “highly distressing crime.”
Sergeant Tom Nuttall said: “This was a highly distressing crime that has caused death and serious injury to defenceless animals. I would encourage anyone who knows anything about this offence to get in touch as soon as possible.”
The violent attack has shocked the local farming and rural community, raising concerns about the safety of livestock in the area. Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or vehicles in the vicinity around the time of the incident.
They are also urging anyone with CCTV, doorbell footage, or dashcam recordings taken in or around East Hatley during the relevant time window to check for anything that may assist the investigation.
How to Help
Anyone with information is asked to:
- Call police on 101, quoting reference 35/20844/25
- Submit details online via the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website
- Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Police say any piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could prove vital in tracking down the individual or individuals responsible for this appalling act of animal cruelty.
Residents and local animal welfare groups are also being urged to remain vigilant and report any further suspicious behaviour.
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