Mount Gambier Council criticised after lambs left in skatepark without milk or shelter for two nights

A newborn lamb is recovering after being on the brink of death locked up in a Mount Gambier skatepark without adequate milk or shelter.

The lamb found in the Mount Gambier skatepark. Picture: Orphan Farm Rescue Farm

A newborn lamb nearly died after being locked in a Mount Gambier skatepark by a council employee without milk or shelter for two nights.

A wildlife carer has lashed out at the animal’s treatment – one of three lambs found by a ranger wandering close to traffic along Jubilee Highway East, on Sunday.

Julia Dangerfield posted on Facebook the animals – “one clearly very young with a dried umbilical cord still attached” – had been left without adequate milk, warmth or shelter.

Ms Dangerfield said she contacted the council on Tuesday when she noticed the youngest lamb had become “hypothermic, non-responsive and unable to move”.

The youngest of three lambs rescued from a Mount Gambier skatepark, which was on the brink of death. Picture: Facebook.

Two lambs at the skatepark. Picture: City of Mount Gambier Impounded Dogs

She claimed by the time she was able to help the lamb it was in “extreme distress” and “seizing on the ground”.

She wrote after hours of intensive care and the lamb was “in much better spirits”.

“However, despite these efforts, the lamb may still succumb due to potential organ and brain damage resulting from prolonged exposure and inadequate care.” she wrote.

Ms Dangerfield took the lamb to not-for-profit group, Orphan Lamb Rescue Farm, at nearby Glencoe, where owner Rebecca Alexander said he was “doing well so far”.

The young lamb is doing well since being taken to a Glencoe farm. Picture: Orphan Farm Rescue Farm.

“He’s running around, drinking his bottles and very active,” Ms Alexander said.

“He’s doing well at the moment, but with lambs even the healthy ones can crash at any stage.

“Because he was hypothermic and went for so long without milk, we don’t know if there’s any damage to his brain or organs, but so far he looks really good.”

Ms Alexander, who takes in up to 40 lambs a year, said she was “surprised” it was not obvious the young animal still needed milk.

“Yes, it was great to keep them off the main highway, but to leave them there for two nights is unacceptable,” she said.

The council confirmed the lambs were taken to Dimjalla skate park on Sunday and were regularly checked with an attempt to find the owner on its impounded dogs Facebook page.

“Given the busy traffic conditions, low visibility, and the high risk of a serious accident, the lambs were secured in the nearest safe and enclosed location,” the statement said.

“The welfare of animals is a priority for the City of Mount Gambier, and we remain committed to acting swiftly and responsibly when animals are in need.

“We are pleased to report that all three lambs are safe and recovering.

“While livestock incidents are not a common occurrence in the city, we will use this situation as an opportunity to reflect, improve and ensure that our response processes are as effective as possible for any future incidents.”

Originally published as Mount Gambier Council criticised after lambs left in skatepark without milk or shelter for two nights