Herd of neglected Llamas

Ten subdued llamas were found in a frozen field with scant grazing, an empty ring-feeder and a dilapidated shelter without bedding. 

RSPCA Inspector Dave Holgate, who discovered the llamas, said:

These llamas were extremely underweight when they came to my attention. When examined by a vet they were given a body score of between zero and one out of five, one being emaciated. 

It is the first time in 19 years I’ve ever had a body score of zero on a live animal.

Neglect leads to the deaths of five llamas

Some of the llamas were little more than skin and bone. One female llama was so weak she spent most of her time lying down and could not stand, even after encouragement. 

Sadly she had to be euthanaised at the scene as nothing could be done to alleviate her suffering.

The surviving llamas have since been rehomed to a specialist llama keeper.

Guilty plea for unnecessary suffering

The owner of the herd of llamas, an electrician from North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to one charge of causing unnecessary suffering leading to death and two charges of not ensuring the needs of the other llamas were met.

The man claimed that a split from his wife had meant that he simply could not afford to provide enough food and water for the animals.

As well as a suspended jail sentence the defendant was banned from keeping any animals for ten years, ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid work and pay costs of £3,050 within three months.

 

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