A WOMAN has been arrested after she was found to have caused unnecessary suffering to a lamb in Sturminster Newton.

49-year-old Louise Elizabeth Murguia stole the lamb from a farmer in the Sturminster Newton area on Sunday, March 24.

When officers received information that Murguia was keeping the lamb at her address, they attended the following day.

Officers found the lamb wearing a nappy, where it was living alongside three collie-type dogs.

Following Murguia being arrested, the lamb was taken to the vets who confirmed it had shown signs of malnutrition.

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Efforts were also reportedly made to shave off an identification number on the side of the lamb, apparently using shampoo.

The lamb was returned to the farmer, and Murguia was subsequently charged with theft and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Efforts were made to remove the identification number Picture: Dorset Police Rural Crime Team

She appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday, April 1 and was sentenced to a 12-month community order with an alcohol treatment requirement and rehabilitation activity requirement.

She was also made the subject of an order preventing her from keeping or owning sheep for an indefinite period.

Sergeant Natalie Skinner, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “We recognise the impact thefts of livestock have on our local farming community and it was also distressing to learn of the maltreatment this animal faced following the theft.

“Thanks to the response from our officers, we were able to hold this defendant to account for her behaviour and return the lamb to the grateful farmer.”

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