In latest livestock incident, Animal Services investigates alleged attack on sheep

Nearly two months after the Louisville region's batch of livestock deaths, Metro Animal Services is again investigating an alleged attack on animals.

This time, it's sheep.

WHAS11 reported Sunday evening that a family in Bullitt County found five sheep dead and seven missing after an attack last week. Cindy Esparza told the TV station that dozens of remaining livestock are shaken up, and that she and her husband are scared when they go to sleep. 

"What we're afraid of is, it can get anything. If it's getting such big animals, it could get a child easily, or an adult," Esparza told the outlet.

Louisville Metro Animal Services confirmed Monday that there was an open investigation into an alleged sheep attack, but spokeswoman Teeya Barnes was unable to confirm any deaths.

Barnes said two sheep were attacked and five were reported missing in the incident that occurred last Tuesday.

Previously:Llamas mysteriously killed in a grisly attack near the Louisville Zoo

An animal control officer was on scene Monday and Barnes said additional information, including an update on any sheep deaths, could be made available on Tuesday.

"... Since we were not contacted until today, it's very likely there will be little evidence to collect for the investigation," Barnes said in an email. 

Animal Services "cannot say" what is responsible for the injuries on the sheep, she added.

A spokesman for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said Monday that the department had not been contacted about the incident.

But anyone who experiences "a loss of livestock" should notify county officials first, followed by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture or their insurance company, spokesman Kevin Kelly said.

Then, in instances in which a wild animal may have been involved, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will assist the state agriculture department with its investigation, if requested.

In February, Courier Journal reported that six llamas at a Louisville farm had died in a gruesome attack that left blood and tufts of wool spread around the barn. Two others later died.

Earlier coverage:Attack on Louisville llamas appears 'canine in nature,' officials say

"I know they are just livestock," Caroline Willette, an owner of the farm, told the Courier Journal at the time. "But these were my babies."

Animal Services then said the wounds appeared "canine in nature" and said reports from residents described a group of three dogs seen near the farm.

The agency asked anyone with information on a possible pack of stray dogs to report sighting by calling 502-574-LMPD.

Barnes said Monday that there had been no other significant developments or sightings in connection with that case.

Days after the llamas were killed, two donkeys were found dead in what initially appeared to be a wild animal attack, but later proved hard to determine. 

Two days later, a man shot two dogs he said were attempting to attack his cow. 

See also:Florida man attacked and killed by the ‘world’s most dangerous bird’

Darcy Costello: 502-582-4834; dcostello@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @dctello. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/darcyc.