As Many As 30 Llamas Stolen From Perris Exotic Animal Farm

PERRIS, CA — The search continued Tuesday for dozens of missing exotic animals that were taken from a property in an unincorporated part of Riverside County, officials tell Patch. Up to 30 llamas were stolen from the facility, while several others were turned loose when a fence lock was cut, possibly by animal rights activists.

The break-in occurred during the predawn hours Monday at a 14-acre private facility near Orange Avenue and Murrieta Road, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

"We received a call about 6:30 a.m. regarding numerous llamas and emus walking on Orange," Deputy Robyn Flores said in a statement released to media. "During the investigation, it was learned that a lock on the fence had been cut, which allowed the animals to leave the property."

With the help of animal control officers, deputies and operators of the facility succeeded in corralling the creatures, Flores said.

However, after further investigation, it was determined 20-30 llamas were trucked away from the location by unknown suspects, the sheriff's spokeswoman said.

According to the Press Enterprise, the facility has recently been targeted by activists making accusations via social media alleging abuse and neglect of the llamas, emus, ostriches, buffalo and other livestock kept on the premises. But county officials said they have found no evidence of mistreatment.

"It was the rage on social media posts, and caused quite a number of calls to our agency," Riverside County Department Of Animal Services Spokesman John Welsh told the paper. "It’s not a well-kept property, but we don’t have any evidence of animal abuse or neglect, whatsoever," Welsh said.

Anyone with information about the burglary or the potential whereabouts of the llamas was asked to contact the sheriff's Perris station at 951-210-1000.

— City News Service contributed to this report.