Two alpaca farmers were reeling after a mother and baby were savaged by a stray dog in a horror attack.
Kate and Simon Brookes said a vet told them the injuries to the animals were the worst she had treated.
The breeders, who run husbandry and handling courses, said the alpaca mum called Gin Fizz and daughter, Cocktail, could take months to recover.
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Kate said: “Poor Gin Fizz has multiple injuries.
“Jenny the vet was here within 10 minutes.
“Jenny said this was the worst single animal attack injuries she has treated.
“She was here for five hours.
“Gin Fizz has horrific injuries to her back legs including large areas of skin ripped off and a large chunk of muscle torn.
“She also has about 40 deep puncture wounds on the front and sides of her neck.
“She has been shaved, all wounds cleaned and flushed, some have been stapled.
“Others need to be left open to drain, some will be left open but covered with dressings as there is insufficient skin to repair.
“She has had high doses of antibiotics.
“We are likely to be treating these wounds for weeks, if not months but provided we can keep them clean then she has a good chance.
“Cocktail is also injured with bites to rear legs and neck but was probably saved from more serious injury by Gin Fizz.
“The dog was straying alone in the fields.
“We don’t know the owners and so far no one has come forward.
“I think it unlikely we will find the owners.
“Gin Fizz has been an absolute gem throughout – she did have sedation for treatment and she has been up and feeding cocktail since the treatment finished.
“Thank goodness Simon spotted the attack happening and was able to chase the dog off, otherwise the outcome would have been even worse.
“It will be a long time before we can be confident that Gin Fizz will be OK.
“The whole herd is shocked not to mention Simon who chased the dog off.
“Thank goodness he saw it happening.”
The attack happened on Saturday (27 Jul) at Mullacott Alpacas, in Ilfracombe, Devon, as reported by Need To Know.
An online fundraiser to help them pay for the treatment had surpassed its £3,500 target.
It read “Hi I’m Karen and have been following Mullacott Alpacas in Devon for a few years.
“They take such good care of their herd and treat them really well.
“Today, two of their girls, mum Gin Fizz and her daughter, Cocktail, were attacked by a stray dog that had got into their field.
“Both sustained horrific injuries.
“The vet came out and was with them for five hours.
“I can’t imagine the pain they both went through.
“I’m trying to raise some money for them for the vet fees and ongoing treatment.
“If you can spare just £1 it will add up.”
There was fury at the attack from local residents.
Lesley Searles said: “Got everything crossed for a speedy recovery.
“Still so angry.”
Tawny Crystal added: “Have you found out who the owner is – hope they are paying for ALL vet fees?”
And Ruth Schmidt said: “I wish Gin Fizz and her cria all the best.
“You are taking care of her so well!
“So I hope very much she will survive.
“And I hope you will find that dog.”
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