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First let me state that Alpaca's, a ~60-70kg camelid akin to a small llama, are raised in our area for their extremely high quality fur. There is hardly a more gentle, trusting and even affectionate creature. They'll come right up to you asking no more than attention, not unlike an affectionate dog. Some people even keep them as outdoor pets, groomed not unlike a poodle, and they're not bad watch-animals for sheep herds either.
These "people" need a good thrashing IMO.
Link.....
Alpaca's savage beating in Ohio unnerves ranchers
CINCINNATI (AP) - The slaying of a 3-month-old alpaca in Ohio has angered the community that raises the animals, sometimes valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The January attack is still discussed at alpaca shows. And owners and others have registered their anger and distress on a Facebook page that has drawn thousands of comments. Owners say they can't understand how anyone could hurt such a gentle animal.
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"I can't imagine anyone looking into the gentle eyes of an alpaca and doing such a thing," said Beth Kressin, an alpaca owner in Medina, in northeast Ohio.
Two 17-year-old boys are charged in juvenile court with animal cruelty and other counts, and a 23-year-old woman is charged with complicity offenses. A judge has ruled that one of the teens should be tried as an adult, and a hearing on the other teen's status is scheduled Thursday.
There doesn't appear to be a broader trend of attackers taking advantage of alpacas' trusting nature, but the Ohio attack has rippled through the national network of alpaca ranchers even though most believe their pastures are well-fortified.
"This was tragic, but I think it is an isolated case," said Jerry Miller, spokesman for the national Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association. Still, "it might make some owners keep an extra eye open."
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CINCINNATI (AP) - The slaying of a 3-month-old alpaca in Ohio has angered the community that raises the animals, sometimes valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The January attack is still discussed at alpaca shows. And owners and others have registered their anger and distress on a Facebook page that has drawn thousands of comments. Owners say they can't understand how anyone could hurt such a gentle animal.
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"I can't imagine anyone looking into the gentle eyes of an alpaca and doing such a thing," said Beth Kressin, an alpaca owner in Medina, in northeast Ohio.
Two 17-year-old boys are charged in juvenile court with animal cruelty and other counts, and a 23-year-old woman is charged with complicity offenses. A judge has ruled that one of the teens should be tried as an adult, and a hearing on the other teen's status is scheduled Thursday.
There doesn't appear to be a broader trend of attackers taking advantage of alpacas' trusting nature, but the Ohio attack has rippled through the national network of alpaca ranchers even though most believe their pastures are well-fortified.
"This was tragic, but I think it is an isolated case," said Jerry Miller, spokesman for the national Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association. Still, "it might make some owners keep an extra eye open."
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