Pregnant alpaca died after 'devastating' attack by hounds

Police are investigating reports a pet alpaca was attacked by hounds and later died on New Year's Day.

The attack happened in the Kings Nympton area of Devon on 1 January between 10:30 and 12:35 GMT, police said.

The alpaca's owners, Lucy Aylett and Nick Stringer, said they were "traumatised" after the attack.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack or who has dashcam footage to come forward.

Ms Aylett said she and her husband were visiting family for New Year and their neighbours were taking care of their animals.

She said: "On New Year's Day we received a call from the chairman of the Tiverton Stag Hunt to say his hounds had attacked our alpaca and that the vet needed to euthanise her.

"Ruby died from her injuries whilst we were on the phone."

Ms Aylett said the alpaca had been pregnant and nursing a four month old cria - or baby alpaca.

She added: We're totally devastated and shocked, it has been traumatising for not just us, but our neighbours who were looking after the farm.

"The hunt had not informed us or our neighbours that they would be out that day, and clearly the hounds were out of control - otherwise Ruby would still be with us."

The BBC has approached the Tiverton Stag Hunt for comment.

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