Rottweilers fatally maul four alpacas

By Charlie Fenton

Four alpacas have been killed after being attacked by two Rottweilers.

Officers from Cambridgeshire Police Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) were called to a farm in Wisbech St Mary just after 6.30 am on Tuesday, March 24, following reports that two dogs were attacking livestock.

Tragically, chiefs have since revealed that four alpacas were killed in the attack.

They also said two others were left with facial injuries that required immediate veterinary care.

Two dogs that were believed to be involved have been seized by police, who say they have opened an investigation into the incident.

They were believed to be Rottweilers, according to detectives.

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Sergent Tom Nuttall, from the RCAT, 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.

“Livestock worrying is a criminal offence under UK law. 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.

“I would like to remind dog owners to ensure their animals are kept secure and on a lead in the rural areas of our county in a bid to keep all animals safe.”

Chiefs have also issued advice to dog walkers and farmers to help prevent similar attacks from occurring.

Advice for dog owners:

• Always keep dogs on a lead near livestock, even if they are well-trained
• Observe local signage and seasonal rules (e.g. mandatory leads on open access land between 1 March and 31 July)
• 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

Advice for farmers and landowners:

• 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.