More on saga of neglected Apex sheep

A second report reveals more on the life and troubles of the sheep owned by David Watts of Apex. He claims "so many lambs were born this year that he was a little overwhelmed, but denied he abused his flock." It would seem more like he wasn't able to provided adequate care all along and isn't up to facing reality. The veterinarians remarks indicate "some in the flock showed signs of serious neglect that had been continuing for many months, probably years."

Following the rescue at the Apex house police and animal care personnel visited his farm in Chatham County they found a smaller group of animals that were in reasonably normal condition for the most part. Watts claims he planned to eventually move the neglected sheep to the farm but didn't get around to it.

Read the latest report with remarks from the veterinarian that helped with the rescue operation...

News and Observer
March 28, 2007
Michael Biesecker and Toby Coleman, Staff Writers

Lambs just kept coming, owner says
77 sheep seized; 60 more are found

APEX - The suburban shepherd who shared his downtown Apex house with 77 sheep said that so many lambs were born this year that he was a little overwhelmed, but denied he abused his flock.

"It was just bad timing for me," David Watts said Tuesday. "I just got hit with the extra animals this year that needed extra supervision."

Veterinarian Kelli Ferris, who examined the sheep that Watts surrendered to Wake County animal control officers Monday, said that some in the flock showed signs of serious neglect that had been continuing for many months, probably years.

So far, 30 of the sheep have been euthanized after it was determined they were too sick to recover. Read more...