Lonely llama rescued from Richmond shed
Utility moves animal while 'rescuers' take over care and feeding

Kent Spencer, The Province
Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2006

A lonely llama, once housed in a Richmond shed, has found a new home.

A group of "animal rescuers" raised such a ruckus on the Internet over the llama's care that B.C. Hydro, which owns the land on which it was kept, had it moved.

"We're happy to see the llama was removed," said Judi Smith of Delta, speaking on behalf of the unidentified group. "It has an opportunity to be cared for and its health needs met."

The Hydro property, at the 12000-block Blundell Road., was the subject of a former cruelty-to-animals investigation. Goat farmer Ameer Shakur was convicted last year for the way he kept dozens of sheep and goats that were suffering from parasites, ticks and inadequate feeding. He was banned from owning animals.

Shakur told SPCA investigators he did not own the llama, his son did.

"We can't prove or disprove his statement because those animals are not licensed," said SPCA spokeswoman Lorie Chortyk.

Chortyk said the llama was adequately provided for.

Smith, who keeps llamas, said the SPCA needs to conduct more tests.

"Llamas are very herd-oriented. They don't do well alone," she said.

The B.C. Pet Rescue Message Board raised question about the llama's health.

"Llamas tend to be thin. Unless you know what you're looking for, it's not easy to tell the difference between a healthy animal and one bordering on starvation," said Smith. "I question whether the SPCA has the necessary experience."

Hydro spokeswoman Elisha Moreno said the animal is being looked after.

"We want to make sure it gets taken care of," she said.

kspencer@png.canwest.com
© The Vancouver Province 2006