Four alpacas dead after Rottweiler attack

Four alpacas have been killed after an attack involving a pair of Rottweilers, according to detectives.

Cambridgeshire Police said they were called to a farm in Wisbech St Mary at about 06:30 BST on Tuesday.

After arriving at the scene, officers seized two dogs, suspected of setting upon the alpacas. Two other alpacas required veterinary treatment for facial injuries, police said.

Sgt Tom Nuttall, from the force's rural crime action team, 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."

"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 added.

Cambridgeshire Police has issued the following advice to dog owners:

• Always keep dogs on a lead near livestock, even if they are well-trained
• Observe local signage and seasonal rules
• Ensure fencing and gates are secure to prevent dogs from escaping
• Be aware of surroundings and only allow dogs off lead in areas free of livestock
• If your dog is involved in an incident, call 101 immediately

It also issued advice for farmers:

• Install clear signage to remind walkers of legal requirements
• Position troughs away from public paths
• Maintain fencing and consider deterrents like electric fencing
• Install CCTV or trail cameras to deter and record evidence
• Photograph injuries and cover carcasses to retain DNA evidence.

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