Sheep was being crushed by own fleece

He's nicknamed Victa because his owners treated him as a substitute lawnmower.

But life in an Australian suburban back yard was no picnic for this gentle sheep, who was being slowly crushed by three years' worth of fleece.



Victa was rescued by RSPCA inspectors after neighbours in Brooklyn, in Melbourne's west, tipped them off this week.

"It certainly looks like he hasn't been shorn for three years," RSPCA shelter supervisor Tamara Brown said. The weight of the wool was putting extra pressure on his joints and he was having difficulty eating because he couldn't move his head up and down."



Ms Brown said Victa had perked up considerably since his haircut.

"He feels a lot better since he's been shorn. He's certainly got more of a spring in his step."

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