The Sunderland of the Lambs
RSPCA launch investigation after lambs dumped in gardens in Sunderland by hoaxer
The RSPCA has launched an investigation after a lamb was found dumped in a garden in Sunderland - the third time this has reportedly happened in the area.
A resident woke up to find a frightened lamb in their enclosed garden in Scruton Avenue at 6am on Sunday May 16.
They reported the matter to the RSPCA and cared for the cold and shivering lamb until animal rescue officer Heather Wade arrived at the scene.
She said the lamb was only days old as it still had a dried umbilical cord attached and was far too young to be away from his mum.
There are no farms in the local area and the garden is enclosed so the lamb could not have wandered in.
Then she discovered a similar case had been reported to Northumbria Police when a resident in Forbes Terrace made a similar discovery three days before on May 13.
Police said the lamb was distressed and was head-butting the fence in an attempt to get out of the garden.
Heather said social media reports suggest this has also happened on a previous occasion nearby and is concerned that someone is doing this as a hoax but are putting the lambs' lives in danger.
She said: “These little ones were only days old so were very vulnerable and would have been frightened to be away from their mum.
“I know the lambs could not have wandered into the gardens as they were enclosed so it suggests someone has deliberately done this and I have no idea why - maybe they think it is some kind of joke.
“We are not sure where they have come from as there are no nearby farms so we could not reunite them with their mum and they are now being hand-reared by a specialist.”
Heather is now appealing for information to find the person responsible and is urging anyone with information to call the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
She added: “If anyone sees an animal in distress or is concerned for a baby animal then we would urge them to call our cruelty line for advice.”
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.