Deaths of 28 alpacas probed at southern Indiana farm

GOSPORT, Ind. (AP) - Authorities are investigating the deaths of 28 alpacas at a southern Indiana farm where two dozen other animals, including llamas and horses, were found alive but severely malnourished.

Owen County sheriff's deputies and a veterinarian from the State Board of Animal Health who visited SuPaca Farms near Gosport on Jan. 28 to check on the welfare of the farm's animals found 28 dead alpacas on the property, The Herald-Times reported.

After officers reported that the live animals on the property were in poor health, lacked food and water, and were severely malnourished, a judge granted a court order allowing authorities to seize seven alpacas, three llamas, nine dogs, three chickens and two horses from the farm.

Those animals were taken to the Owen County Humane Society for medical care and temporary placement.

Owen County Prosecutor Don Vandermoere said he has not yet received all of the police and medical reports in the case, which he will use to determine who is responsible and whether criminal charges will be pursued.

A spokeswoman for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, which has investigated the condition of the farm animals, said the state has no past complaints on file about conditions at the farm, located south of Gosport, about 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) southwest of Indianapolis.