A quiet Cambridgeshire village has been left in shock after four alpacas were found executed-style in a field near East Hatley.
A fifth alpaca, shot in the face, survived but sustained life-altering injuries, while a ewe was also savaged by what is believed to be a dog.
Police were called to the rural site early Sunday morning following reports of the dead and injured animals. The attack has stunned residents and devastated the animals’ owners, Dawn and Brian French, who discovered the gruesome scene.
“It looked like a murder scene,” said Dawn. “The alpacas had all been shot in the head like an execution. It was absolute carnage… I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
The couple had bred the alpacas, named Calvin, Klein, Martha and Juniper, over the last decade. Their oldest, Phoebe, survived the attack but now suffers facial paralysis and requires ongoing pain relief.
Dog footprints were found across the six-acre field, and the fleece of the killed sheep was discovered nearby, suggesting a second act of violence. Police believe a .22 or higher calibre rifle was used in the shootings.
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Cambridgeshire Police have launched a full investigation, with house-to-house inquiries and forensic examinations underway. Officers are urging anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage, or knowledge of suspicious activity around East Hatley to come forward.
“This was a highly distressing crime that has caused death and serious injury to defenceless animals,”
Sergeant Tom Nuttall from the Rural Crime Action Team
Speculation around motive remains unclear. While some suspect mistaken identity—possibly by deer stalkers—others fear a more sinister act. Dawn French described the senseless killings as a “sick sport” in a public post and urged fellow animal owners to stay vigilant.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cambridgeshire Police on 101.
