PERRIS, Calif. (AP) - Authorities say at least 20 llamas were stolen from a Southern California property that had been targeted on social media by what officials said were unfounded claims of animal mistreatment.
Riverside County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 14-acre (5.6-hectare) property near the city of Perris early Monday after llamas and emus were seen walking along the road, the Press-Enterprise reported Tuesday.
The animals were returned to the site but authorities found a lock had been cut and between 20 and 30 llamas were stolen, said Sheriff’s Deputy Robyn Flores.
The property had been targeted on social media with allegations that llamas, ostriches and other animals kept there were being mistreated.
John Welsh, a spokesman for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, said officers had visited the site and determined the allegations were unfounded.
“It’s not a well-kept property, but we don’t have any evidence of animal abuse or neglect, whatsoever,” Welsh said.
A group that posted video of the property on social media had claimed to be planning a “mass rescue” but did not respond to an email inquiry sent Monday by the newspaper.
Two caretakers live on the property to tend to the roughly 350 animals, Welsh said.
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