Owners fear rare lamb worth up to $25K stolen
Madeleine Babos started breeding the species after a decade-long interest in the unique animal. (ABC News: Steve Opie)
A rare lamb worth up to $25,000 has gone missing from an Adelaide Hills property, with its heartbroken owners urging the community to keep an eye out for the distinctive breed.
Vet and hobby farm owner Madeleine Babos recently started breeding Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep after a decade-long interest in the unique-looking animals.
Originating in the icy Swiss Alps, Valais blacknose sheep are renowned for their fluffy white coats, dark faces, spiral horns and dog-like personalities.
Valais blacknose sheep are renowned for their fluffy white coats, dark faces, spiral horns and dog-like personalities. (ABC News: Steve Opie)
Ms Babos said the ewe was only born last week and went missing several days after its arrival.
"I noticed the mama sheep of the lamb was over there sniffing... pacing back and forth looking a bit frantic," she said.
"I realised our initial singleton was gone, which was quite stressful at the time just knowing that she'd been fine several hours before."
Ms Barbos said the breed has a "loving personality" and were like the "dogs of the sheep world". (ABC News: Steve Opie)
The vet said she suspected the disappearance, which occurred in the afternoon, wasn't likely due to a predator.
"Just given the time of the day... the way the mother is and the fact we had some other tiny vulnerable lambs there in the paddock, I was less worried about predation," Ms Babos said.
"Whether she was close to the fence, whether someone's just seen her and said, 'Oh that's really cute, I'll just take her home as a pet'."
Ms Babos said she and her partner Alasdair Rodgers decided to invest in the costly breeding project in the hope of making a return in a few years.
The rare breed first arrived in Australia via Victoria in 2020, and has since spread to Tasmania, South Australia, and New South Wales.
The couple's first purchase for $25,000 was the lost lamb's mother, 'Sugar'.
They didn't expect Mr Rodgers would have to stop work for over a year to care for their middle daughter who had health complications after her birth.
"These sheep have kind of been a little bit of an investment for us to help us get back on our feet," he said.
"Disappointing to have something vanish that's the next stage in your life that you've been working towards."
Alasdair Rodgers said the previous investment in the breed was in the hope of a profitable return in a few years. (ABC News: Steve Opie)
Ms Barbos said the police told her livestock theft was common.
"She does have some very distinct markings, she's a pure ewe lamb," the vet said.
"Please reach out to us...reach out to police."
Anyone with information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000.
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