Bovey Tracey man rescues alpaca trapped in fence

A couple in Bovey Tracey, who run an alpaca farm and glampsite, faced a terrifying ordeal when they discovered one of their alpacas trapped under a fence.

Dave and Natalie Hyson, alpaca breeders and owners of Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm, noticed that Fanny Ann, one of their alpacas, was missing during their nightly check on Wednesday, February 7.  

After a frantic search, they finally found her on the morning of Thursday, February 8, stuck under a fence, barely breathing. 

WARNING. The below video may be destressing to some readers. 

Dave managed to free her and, with the help of her alpaca friends, Fanny Ann eventually stood up.

She's now recovering well on the farm.

"I took the alpacas in at nightfall on Wednesday but after doing a headcount realised one was missing," Dave explained. 

"It's very unusual for one alpaca to go off on her own; they are pack animals and always like to have company."

Fearing the worst, Dave embarked on a frantic search, scouring every inch of their property, including Natalie's yoga studio, the glamping cabins, and even their onsite converted double-decker bus. 

As night descended, he reluctantly called off the search, hoping for a miracle to come at dawn.

True to his dedication, Dave resumed the search at the crack of dawn the next day. After combing through the same areas to no avail, he stumbled upon Fanny Ann, lying on her back with her head stuck under the fence.

“It was pure luck I looked down the side of the shelters,” Dave told The Moorlander. 

"At first, I thought she was dead," Dave recalled. "But on closer inspection, I realised she was breathing - just barely."

Summoning all his strength, Dave fetched bolt croppers and freed Fanny Ann from her entrapment. 

However, her ordeal was far from over. She remained immobilised, shivering in the cold, prompting fears of hypothermia.

"I tried everything to get her up and walking," Dave said. "Even bringing her alpaca sisters out in the hope of motivating her and giving her the boost she needed."

After what seemed like an eternity, Fanny Ann finally found the strength to stand with the encouragement of her sisters. 

"She's making a very good recovery," Dave reported, relieved that his alpaca is back on her feet and enjoying her meals alongside her companions.

The couple have been caring for Fanny Ann since they acquired their alpaca herd in 2019.

Four year old Fanny Ann is now making very good recovery and is now eating out in the field with her sisters. 

Despite the scare, they remain committed to their farm and are excited about their upcoming eco-house project, made out of straw bales, which recently received planning permission.