'One in a million' five-legged lamb born in Sutton

By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 17th Apr 2025

Alice Jackson with five-legged Jake (Credit: Alice Jackson)
Alice Jackson with five-legged Jake (Credit: Alice Jackson)

A 'one in a million' five-legged lamb has been born in Sutton.

Alice Jackson and her family were left stunned after one of their pet sheep gave birth to a lamb with an extra limb.

Jake 'the peg' came into the world late on Monday, March 31.

"If he was born a couple of hours later, he would've been an April Fools' joke!" said Alice, who was away at university at the time.

"My mum rang to let me know that he was fine. She went over to check on him and said, 'oh my god!'

"I was worrying, is he okay? Is he alive?

"She thought she had broken his leg before realising he actually had an extra one!

"It was a shock at first, we didn't know what his future looked like or if he would even survive."

Jake was born on March 31 (Credit: Alice Jackson)

Alice's grandfather used to keep a large flock of sheep.

Following his death nine years ago, Alice's mum Lorraine kept a few as pets, the oldest of which is now 15.

Last year, a farmer gave the family a pair of ewes, who have both been in lamb this season.

Jake's unique condition has seen him shoot to local fame.

Alice, who works at Bargain Booze on Moss Lane, has had colleagues and customers asking to see him.

Four veterinary students even came over from Nottingham to examine him.

"He's bit of a celebrity at the moment," Alice said.

Jake will need to have the extra leg amputated (Credit: Alice Jackson)

It's not currently clear what Jake's additional leg is attached to or how much feeling he has in it.

Alice added: "He doesn't act like it's hurting him, he loves running around and he seems perfectly healthy.

"But we can tell from photos that the leg is in fact growing."

To avoid any potential complications, Jake's leg will have to be amputated.

The vet has agreed to carry out the procedure at half price, however it will still cost over £1,000, much of which will go towards the CT scan to determine what the leg is attached to.

Alice said: "We want Jake to live a long, healthy and certainly happy life with us and the rest of our small flock, so we are trying to fund his amputation.

"Any amount, big or small, will help Jakes future but we understand some people will be unable to give money, so just sharing his story to family and friends will help!"

Jake and family (Credit: Lorraine Jackson)

You can find out more about Jake and help support his surgery by visiting the Jackson's JustGiving page here.

     

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