WARNING: upsetting content
Poachers have ‘heartlessly’ shot dead a llama called Larry at an animal sanctuary in Northumberland in England.
It has caused outrage on social media.
An investigation has begun after the animal was killed at Hilltop Farm Animal Sanctuary near Longhorsley, Northumberland, last week.
It’s believed poachers trespassed on the land.
Larry’s body was found in a field where alpacas lived.
Northumbria Police said the people responsible ‘may have mistaken Larry for a deer’.
Officers have warned those who carry out illegal hunts that they will be arrested if they are identified.
Northumbria Police’s Sergeant Mick Aspey said: “This heartless shooting has understandably led to outrage in the community and on social media.
“Larry had been at the sanctuary for five years and was a loving, harmless animal that has been gunned down by suspected poachers.
“It has been reported to us that those responsible may have mistaken Larry for a deer but even so it is illegal to hunt animals in this way.
“We know that poaching can be a problem in our rural communities and I want to reassure people that we take it seriously.
“It is a criminal offence and, where possible, we will always look to identify offenders and put them before the courts.
“Enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would ask anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the sanctuary to get in touch.”
