9 sheep mauled by mystery animal

Krishnagiri: As many as 19 sheep were mauled by a wild animal on the forest fringe in Kanthikuppam in Krishnagiri district, triggering fears of a leopard stalking the village at night.

 

“The 19 sheep were found dead from a mysterious attack on Monday night,” said 55-year-old farmer, Govindan of Periya Belavarthi village, on the forest fringe in Kanthikuppam police limits.

 

When Govindan went to the cattle shed to take his animals for grazing in the reserved forest, he found 19 of his sheep mauled. A few more sheep were found injured.

 

“A leopard may have strayed into the village searching for prey and killed the sheep,” says Govindan says.

 

The Krishnagiri forest officials, who investigated the pug marks, suspect it to be a jackal and not a leopard.

 

The forest officials buried the carcasses of the 19 sheep in Govindan's farm.

 

The injured animals were given treatment by the local veterinary doctor.