Fatal attack on alpaca in Baldivis breaks hearts

A beloved Baldivis alpaca was allegedly mauled to death by a dog in Baldivis, leaving behind his soulmate.

Two-year-old Cookies was “a soft, gentle boy”, according to his owner, Sonny Tilbury, and was seen side by side with mate Cream everywhere they went.

Mr Tilbury said alpacas were often kept in pairs so they had company and became best buddies.

“So we had Cookies and Cream. One time, his head got stuck in the ring-lock fence and Cream stayed by his side the whole time ... it’s so sad, they were glued at the hip,” he said. “My pet sitter found Cookies. I was away at work. When she called, I got a tear and was devastated.”

The Baldivis Pet Service sitter found the mauled body of Cookies at the end of last month.

“It was just heartbreaking. It is one sight I never ever want to see again — Cookies was a sweet, gentle boy,” she said.

“Please, everyone, make sure your dogs stay on your property. I don’t care if your dog is friendly, great recall, keep it under control.”

Mr Tilbury said he was now worried as he had pet sheep, two lambs and Cream to keep safe.

“Just down the road about six weeks ago, two properties had their sheep attacked and one killed, very similar injuries to Cookies’ — bite wounds being of a larger dog,” he said.

“Someone’s dog would be going home covered in blood and the owners are turning a blind to it, they need to be more responsible dog owners, glad it wasn’t someone's child”.

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the City was aware of the alpaca attack but did not believe incidents of this kind were a regular occurrence.

“The City takes dog attacks very seriously. Rangers actively patrol locations of interest as often as possible and attend to reported incidents with high priority,” Cr Sammels said.