Devon Alpaca Farmer Urges Dog Owners to Use Leads After Fatal Attack

A farmer in Devon who raises alpacas is appealing to dog owners to keep their animals on leads following an incident where two dogs attacked his herd. The assault resulted in the death of one young alpaca and severe injuries to three others. Mark and Sam Norman, proprietors of Lakemoor Alpacas in Buckfastleigh, expressed their devastation over the attack on their group of 49 alpacas. The alpaca that died was a five-month-old baby named Lady Penelope. Authorities have been notified about the incident. Mr. Norman recounted that an older alpaca, Bonnie, was among the three seriously wounded, having intervened to shield the younger animals. “They’re very much a herd animal,” he stated. “She stepped in and put herself between that baby and the dogs.” He added, “She’s probably saved the lives of the other babies in the field.” Mr. Norman explained that their alpacas frequently visit schools and care homes, indicating they are more than just livestock. He shared, “Many of you will know how special these alpacas are to us, and how we know all their individual quirky characters and have special names for all of them – these alpacas are our family, and we are devastated due to this incident.” The individuals who own the land witnessed the attacks and intervened, preventing further harm to the animals. “It’s ever so sad,” Mr. Norman remarked. He emphasized the preventability of such events, stating, “And it’s completely, completely avoidable.” He continued, “If people keep dogs on leads we wouldn’t have attacks on livestock.” Mr. Norman concluded, “It doesn’t matter if it’s an alpaca or a sheep, it’s completely avoidable.” He described the experience as “just heartbreaking when we have something like this happen.” According to farm insurers NFU Mutual, farm animals valued at an estimated £2.4 million were either severely injured or killed by dogs in 2023. This figure represents an increase of nearly 30% compared to the preceding year.