Two-legged lamb saved from the chop

A farmer in China has spared the life of a two-legged lamb after being inspired by its struggle to survive.

Farmer Cui Jinxiu, from Laizhou in the Shandong province, said the lamb was one of two born last month.

"The first one was a very healthy and normal one," she said. "However, the second one surprised me.

"With a further look I was surprised to find that the lamb only has two legs."

The family thought the lamb wouldn't survive, but were struck by the creature's strong desire to live.

"I thought of dumping it after it was born but the next morning it even stood up by itself."

Moved by the lamb's tenacity, Cui started to feed it using a baby bottle. "It is very strong willed and brave," she continued. "Although only having two legs it is living normally as other lambs.

"He may only have two legs but he gets around very quickly and is pretty steady on his feet. He follows me everywhere and I haven't got the heart to slaughter him."

Vets have told the farmer that the birth defect could be genetic or the result of chemical pollution.

"He doesn't mind," Cui added. "He has such a friendly personality and I don't think he even realises he's disabled."

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