‘Part of the family’: Norwood Council order man to get rid of his beloved sheep

Sheep owner Amir Tofigh says he beloved livestock are “part of the family”, and is now worried they will be taken away by the local council.

Mr Tofigh's sheep at his home in Kensington.

An eastern-suburbs man is expected to lose two beloved pet sheep after they escaped from the backyard of his Kensington home earlier this week, with the local council now stepping in to remove the animals.

At about 6pm on Tuesday, police were called to the intersection of Portrush Rd and Kensington Rd at Kensington, to reports that two fully grown sheep were wandering one of Adelaide’s busiest roads.

Police were able to detain the sheep in the back of a paddy wagon, before driving them to an Adelaide Hills property, where they were held while officers identified their owner.

Owner of the sheep, Amir Tofigh speaks to 9News.

On Thursday, owner Amir Tofigh revealed to 9News Adelaide that the sheep are now being taken away by the local council, as he is not allowed to have farm animals on his property.

Mr Tofigh said he has had the two sheep for the past 4-months, and considers the two animals to be “family”, and described the moment he was reunited with them.

“They are a part of (the) family, and now I struggle, I don't know what I should do with them,” he told 9News Adelaide.

“In my eyes they are pets, I love them.

Mr Tofigh's two sheep in the back of a police paddy wagon on Tuesday .

“The police officer come, they bring them … actually, they made some mess in their car.

“Then I got here, outside, and they are not home, I was so worried for them.”

“He (sheep) gave me cuddles last night … he was so happy.”

Mr Tofigh's sheep at his home in Kensington.

Since Mr Tofigh has been reunited with the sheep, he revealed to 9News that he has received a letter from the Norwood Council, informing him that he cannot keep the animals.

“Livestock is not permitted to be kept at the property,” the letter read.

“The council trusts that you will comply.

“Should the council learn of any other livestock being kept at the property, enforcement action may be taken.”

The Advertiser understands that Mr Tofigh wants the sheep to remain with him, and says he would make sure they never escape again.

Originally published as ‘Part of the family’: Norwood Council order man to get rid of his beloved sheep