:emoticonhelp:

Stolen Alpacas

We are writing to request your member’s assistance if at all possible in our urgent appeal for help in finding our two baby alpacas stolen from our farm near Basingstoke.

We are appealing to all horse owners riding out in rural areas to help look for these unusual animals. They might also be offered for sale to people with horses as they are often kept as companions to horses. From looking at your forum you obviously have contacts across the UK and PC Reid suggested that we contact you.

These were the very first alpacas we have bred and they had only just been weaned from their mothers. We are very concerned for their welfare because they are particularly vulnerable to stress at any time. Alpacas are very timid animals which require specialist handling and care. They require routine veterinary work for their welfare. At weaning a special diet is critical to ensure their continued growth and development. Unfortunately with all the wool covering it is not easily noticeable if they are malnourished (unlike a horse or dog).

Alpacas are still fairly unusual in the UK and the birth and progress of these two has been closely followed by a very large number of local people. They have also given a great deal of pleasure as many people stop by the field to watch them graze. Someone somewhere knows where they are and we are appealing to everyone far and wide to help us spread the word and find them. Any help you might be able to lend would be greatly appreciated.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us Tel: 01256 471271

Many thanks

John & Edwina Spicer