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WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT: Four alpacas were killed and two others injured after being attacked by two dogs believed to be Rottweilers at a farm in Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire

Four alpacas have been killed after being mauled by two dogs at a Cambridgeshire farm.

Officers from Cambridgeshire Police Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) were called to a farm in Wisbech St Mary just after 6.30am on Tuesday, following reports that two dogs were attacking livestock. Tragically, officers have since confirmed four alpacas died as a result of the attack.

Two further animals were left with facial injuries requiring urgent veterinary treatment. Two dogs believed to be involved have been seized by police, who have launched a formal investigation into the incident. Detectives believe the animals were Rottweilers.

Sergeant 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."

As of late 2025, there are an estimated 45,000 to over 60,000 alpacas in the UK, according to data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the British Alpaca Society (BAS).

Authorities have issued guidance to dog walkers and farmers to help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

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.