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Four Beloved Alpacas Shot in a Quiet Cambridgeshire Field

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Author Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology

Alpaca farm
Alpaca farms are prevalent throughout Switzerland where they are reared for their prized wool. Image via Spacr1, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the peaceful countryside of East Hatley, Cambridgeshire, a horrifying act of cruelty shattered the tranquility. Four cherished alpacas—Calvin, Klein, Martha, and Juniper—were shot dead in their field, leaving their owner, Dawn French, devastated. What was once a safe haven for these gentle creatures became the scene of an unthinkable crime.

A Shocking Morning Discovery

Alpaca
Alpacas crossing through the mountains. Image by Hector Perez via Pexels.

Dawn received an urgent call that something was terribly wrong. Rushing to the rented field where her alpacas grazed, she was met with a heart-wrenching sight—four of her alpacas lay lifeless, each shot in the head. Another alpaca, Phoebe, had miraculously survived but suffered a gunshot wound to the face. To make matters worse, a nearby ewe had been so badly mauled by a dog that it had to be euthanized.

A Heartbroken Owner Mourns

Group of alpacas.
Group of alpacas. Image by Sergio Mingo via Pexels.

For Dawn, these alpacas were more than just animals—they were family. She had cared for them for six years, forming a deep bond with each one. The brutal and senseless attack left her reeling. “We rushed down there and found four alpacas with shots to their heads. It was very, very upsetting, very traumatic—just hideous,” she shared, struggling to process the loss.

A Community in Shock

Two white alpacas and one black alpaca.
Two white alpacas and one black alpaca. Image by Michael Murphy via Pexels.

News of the killings spread quickly, shaking the small rural community. East Hatley is known for its peaceful countryside and close-knit residents, making this act of violence all the more disturbing. Neighbors and animal lovers expressed their outrage and sorrow, calling for justice for the alpacas and their grieving owner.

Police Investigation Underway

Alpaca
Alpacas assessing to see if the grass is good to eat. Image via I, Luca Galuzzi, CC BY-SA 2.5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Cambridgeshire police have launched a full investigation, treating the attack as a serious crime. Officers have been conducting house-to-house inquiries and reviewing any available footage. Sgt Tom Nuttall of the rural crime action team described the case as “highly distressing,” emphasizing the need to catch those responsible. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to these innocent animals.

A Plea for Justice and Protection

Alpacas
Alpacas are adapted to eating plant fibers. Image via Carlo Brescia, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As the investigation continues, Dawn is left trying to cope with the trauma while caring for her surviving animals. The senseless attack has sparked discussions on rural crime and animal welfare, with many calling for stricter protections. Dawn and the local community remain hopeful that those behind this cruel act will be found and held accountable. This devastating incident serves as a harsh reminder of the need to safeguard animals from harm. For Dawn, Calvin, Klein, Martha, and Juniper were not just alpacas—they were companions. Now, she and the community seek justice, hoping their loss will not be in vain.

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