Surprise twin lambs born in Leicester on routine RSPCA call-out

An RSPCA inspector pulled out the first lamb and then discovered the sheep was carrying twins

Animal inspectors were surprised to deliver twin lambs on a call-out to a sheep struggling to stand up.

Herchy Boal and Jaqui Miller, from the RSPCA, arrived at a small-holding in Leicester on Wednesday 28 February, and discovered the ewe was in labour.

The RSPCA said the birth sac was already out and Ms Boal pulled out the first lamb before discovering the sheep was carrying twins.

Ms Boal said they thought it would be a routine call-out to check on the sheep.

Herchy Boal said the ewe was very tired from trying to give birth

She added: "I'm so glad we arrived when we did - because I don't think the ewe would have been able to give birth successfully without our assistance."

The first lamb's feet and head were not in the right position, which is often called abnormal presentation.

Ms Boal said: "She was already very, very tired from trying to give birth - and because of the positioning of her lambs they were not coming out on their own."

Ms Miller held and supported the ewe while Ms Boal pulled out the lambs, which were born healthy.

The RSPCA said assisting with lambing should only done if the ewe needed help

Ms Boal added: "Having birthed lambs before I knew what needed to be done - once they were delivered I rubbed them to get them warm and moving and it was amazing to see the two up on their feet.

"The pair will need some extra help as mum hasn't got any milk but the owner will continue to bottle feed them - and so hopefully they will do well.

"Now the lambs are arriving it definitely feels like Spring is almost here and I'm sure they will soon be leaping around - and it was certainly a special day for me."

The RSPCA said assisting with lambing was a skilled technique which should only be carried out by an experienced person, and only done if the ewe needs help.