1 of 2 sheep wandering since June near Windsor expressway has been caught

One of two sheep found roaming near traffic on the E.C. Row Expressway since mid-June has been caught, according to the animal sanctuary that has been spearheading the effort to capture them.

Charlotte’s Freedom Farm founder Lauren Edwards told CBC Windsor the sheep on the E.C. Row side of the fence was caught on Wednesday.

“The animal has been caught and is on the way back to the farm now,” Edwards said.

Volunteers found the sheep in a pen trap around 10 a.m. ET, she said.

Edwards said the pen trap was in an area with trees north of the E.C. Row Expressway near the eastbound Dougall Avenue ramps.

The pen trap had been replenished with grain, fresh water and salt licks, she said.

‘Just a baby’

The second sheep has yet to be found.

The pair were originally estimated to be about six months old and 40 to 50 pounds, according to Edwards. 

But on Wednesday, Edwards said the sheep that was found is much smaller than originally thought, and now estimates its age around six months. 

“Just a baby,” she said.

“I think he’s feeling very stressed right now…. They’re herd animals. Not having other herd animals around, he’s been living in a complete state of fear for weeks.”

The animal sanctuary has been trying to locate and rescue the two sheep, with its volunteers making numerous trips out to the area.

A dash-cam video posted to a popular Windsor social media group on June 17 shows a sheep in the middle of the expressway with traffic on the road.

Captured sheep is likely male

Edwards said the captured sheep is likely malem because if the theory he fell off a livestock truck is correct, sheep for slaughter are always male.

Once the animal gets to Charlotte’s Freedom Farm, it will be quarantined, undergo blood work and a vet check, and receive vaccines, Edwards said. He’ll then become part of the Charlotte’s Freedom Farm sheep family.

Edwards said they’ve not yet decided on a name for the captured sheep. They are thinking of creating a social media post and asking the public to choose a name.

Volunteers have been saying the sheep should have a speed-related name, like Speedy or Bolt, she said.