[cairnhill]

This is a very sad story and also a very emotive one.   Yesterday I "found" two pet lambs in a pen in a shed without any food or drink.  One lamb was close to death and despite my best efforts died within the next two hours.   The other lamb I have managed to keep alive but he is is in a dreadful state.  These lambs are approximately 6 weeks old and were part of triplets, but were taken away from their mother for hand rearing.  I myself am raising a lamb of the same breeding and also same age and this poorly boy is about one third of the size.  He has no muscle mass at all and has a crouched stance.  His spine can be seen as a ridge through his fleece.   His hip bones are obvious to see and he has a general emaciated look.  If that was not bad enough he has several bites to his ears that are scabbed and chunks missing out of his ears and his eyelids.  He has areas of scab on his bony knees and patches where the fleece has been degloved from his skin.  His tail has been ringed but has not been effective as he is so thin.  He has infection in his eyes which I assume is due to the damage to his eyelids.  These lambs had been next to a pen with 3 pigs in it.   So far we have given him a multivitamin injection, an antibiotic injection, treat his wounds and I am applying ointment for the eye infection and I am feeding him small amounts every couple of hours.  He is wearing a wee coat that fits my chihuahua cross so he does not need to waste as much energy on keeping himself warm.  He also has a deep straw bed and a heat lamp. 

I have challenged the people responsible for this and they say it is not neglect.  These are the facts.  What do you say?

[doganjo]

Get the RSPCA in NOW!

[jameslindsay]

If it's not neglect then it aint love either, these people should be reported asap to avoid any further suffering.

[JulieS]

How do they possibly think it's not neglect?  The fact they don't think it's neglect would be enough to persuade me to report them.

Let us know how you get on.

[HappyHippy]

If it's not neglect then it's sheer stupidity on their part 
But definately needs looking into, especially if they have other animals.
Good luck with your lamb, hopefully it'll have a happy life now you've got it - but take LOADS of photo's (with something for size comparison) and also of the one which died if it's still around, I know it's morbid but at least you've got evidence if anyone does decide to prosecute.
Lets us know how you get on

[Hellybee]

Just not on!!!!  Hope the wee lamb makes it x

[acorn zwartbles]

put them in a pen withhold food and water 4 a week. Go back and see what they say then.

[bazzais]

Sounds a pretty bad state to be in.  Two tragic 'accidents'?

Definitely neglected to take good care of their animals.

I take it they didn't seek help from you as you 'found' them?

Ta

Baz

[Brucklay]

I realise it's difficult to report people - I would be very nervous especially being relatively new to the area I live in and wanting to fit in - but if I'd found those lamb I believe I would report them and as HappyHippy said with lots of photo evidence - I think sheep get pretty hard 'press', but now having my own lambs can see they are individuals with characters and very loving, and need attention and care, mine even stand to have their fronts stroked just like the goats almost send them into a trans - good luck with you little lamb and let us know how things go x

[Hellybee]

Id more likely contact Animal Health

[morri2]

This happens more often than we'd care to think about.  Farmer's with large flocks quite simply find such cases a nuisance, they shove them in a shed and 'forget' about them.  There is no excuse for neglect which this obviously is, however, so I'd definitely report them to Animal Health or RSPCA or both, even if its just to ensure all their other animals are being kept properly.  These people don't deserve to be keeping animals.  Furthermore, if this farm is of the size to be claiming any sort of subsidies, then definitely Animal Health as the taxpayer is indirectly supporting them.

I really hope the little lamb makes it, sounds like you're doing all you can - keep us posted won't you.

[Freddiesfarm]

How did you acquire these lambs?  ie was there a movement license etc?  If you involve animal health and have moved an animal onto your holding without the official documentation then you could be open to a fine or worse - even if it was as a welfare issue.

I know a lovely woman locally who got got for it and even as a first offence now has a criminal record for not recording a movement correctly!

Just ensure you are covered - as for the RSPCA - I doubt they will do anything - I am fighting at the moment on behalf of 2 collie pups 8 months old and be kept in a shed all their lives! 

[morri2]

Hi Carinhill! How are things going?

[cairnhill]

Hi Morri

the wee guy now named Ghandalf, due to being "born again" is doing great.  His tail has now fallen off below the ring and he is putting on weight.  He is now taking a 500ml bottle 4 times a day and is nibbling at creep.  I would even go to say he is starting to get a spring in his step.  I did report to animal health, as I had some explaining to do regarding movement document, and a vet was sent out to look at him.  The vet then went directly to the holding where he came from.  Don't know the outcome but have seen a lot more attention and feeding being given to the animals over there.  It was like a huge weight was lifted off me, even though I was terrified of any repocussions and also because I don't want to get people into trouble.  However, the burden became to much to bear.  I will be getting the vet out to castrate Ghandalf in a week or so and then his future will be to remain here with his best pal Lola and join the Hebridean gang.  The vet did say to me that he may have problems in the future due to his poor start but I will deal with whatever happens if and when.

thank you for your concern
Anna

[doganjo]

Well done,Anna!  You've done a great job! Absolutely right to contact the authorities.  Animal welfare comes before avoiding getting others into trouble.  Good shout!