By KATH GANNWAY
THE owner of a distinctive four-month-old lamb stolen from Yarra Junction on 13 July is calling on the thieves to return him.
The lamb, named Panda because of his unusual half black/half white patched markings, was part of a group of six purebred damara sheep kept on a property on the corner of Settlement and Corduroy roads.
Owner Lyn (who asked that his surname be withheld) said Panda was part of an overall flock of 60 sheep that they bred to sell as pets.
“They are an African breed that are particularly placid, hardy, never need shearing, are great grass-eaters and make really great companions,” Lyn said.
“Having checked out the flock on the Saturday night, she said she was devastated when she discovered the next morning that the lamb who had very much become a family favourite, was missing.
The group was in a small paddock alongside Settlement Road with the thieves shorting the electric fence to get into the paddock.
“You could see that they had chased the sheep into a corner to grab him and then possibly handed him over the fence to someone else,” Lyn said.
She said it was unfortunate timing that the two German Shepherd dogs that roam the property were not in the paddocks on that particular night.
Because of his stunning markings, Panda was destined to remain a local with plans for him to eventually take his place in the flock as a stud ram.
The very worst fears are that he would be fattened up for the unmentionable, she said.
“These are not sheep for eating,” Lyn said.
“I am hoping that it’s just someone acting on the spur of the moment who has taken a liking to him and who is going to look after him.”
Warburton police are investigating the theft and would like to hear from anyone who saw any people or vehicles in the area overnight on 13-14 July, or who suspect the new sheep on the block could be Panda.
But, the best outcome would be for Panda to be returned home.
“They could just put him back over the fence and he would be quite safe,” Lyn said.
“That would be lovely, and such a relief, if they did that.”
Anyone with information should contact Leading Senior Constable Tony Pagels at Warburton police on 5966 2006, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
