'Sheep-man': DNA probe shelved
2003-01-20 22:19
Vera Schoeman
Queenstown - Police have abandoned their plan to have tissue samples of a freak lamb analysed.
Captain Edwin Taleni for Queenstown police said: "Two independent veterinarians said it is scientifically impossible for a human to impregnate a sheep.
"The possibility that bestiality could have caused the lamb's human appearance has therefore been discarded."
The person in charge of the mortuary, who was ordered to send tissue samples of the foetus for DNA testing, initially could not persuade state veterinary staff to hand over the foetus.
Inspector John Bekker said the two vets refused to hand over the lamb, and he initiated legal action to force them.
However, before a warrant could be issued, a decision was taken to abandon the investigation.
The lamb, with its flat face, long stomach with a round bellybutton, female genitals and round buttocks, caused an uproar in the community. People from near and far came to have a look at the freak of nature.
The foetus was displayed from behind the fence of the state veterinary. Police intervened when curious bystanders started trampling each other.
- Die Burger