Two face charges in Connecticut alpaca killings
Since August, six alpacas have been killed and another four have gone missing from Applesauce Acres, an alpaca farm in Ivorytown, Conn. The owner of the farm, George MacLauchlan, was so concerned about his animals that he sent a handful of them to live on other farms.
But MacLauchlan said he was feeling a measure of relief Wednesday after two men accused in the alpaca killings turned themselves in. Connecticut State Police said that others may be arrested as the investigation continues.
“The police told me there was a crime of opportunity,’’ MacLauchlan said. “If you can kill four defenseless animals and just watch them die then that’s pretty sick.’’
He said that in August, someone slit the throat of a baby alpaca and three others went missing, but he believes they also were killed.
“They always stay close to the herd,’’ he explained.
In November, one alpaca was found dead with a wound that appeared to be made by a gun or an arrow, and another was bludgeoned with a rock.
On December 23, four more animals were found stabbed to death.
Connecticut State Police issued warrants for Kyle Roscetti, 21, and Shawn Malcarne, 23, both of Westbrook, Conn. They turned themselves in Tuesday and were arraigned Wednesday in Middletown Superior Court on burglary, larceny, animal cruelty, and trespassing charges, according to the State Police.
Roscetti is being held on $75,000 bond and is due in court again on May 8. Malcarne was released after his arraignment on a promise to appear for his next court date of May 18, according to police and a court clerk.
Neither man, nor their attorneys, could be reached Wednesday.
Alpacas cost between $20,000 to $30,000 each, MacLauchlan said, but they are valuable for their fleece and fur. He has been in business for about ten years.
MacLauchlan said he does not know the suspects.
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