A sheep is finally back where it belongs after enduring a week-long abduction in the name of a Belle Plaine Homecoming prank.

According to Bob VanDenBroeke, information officer with the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, the sheep was reported stolen in late September from a farm where it was being pastured in southern Carver County, near the intersection of Co. Rd. 40 and Hwy. 25.

A week later, on Sept. 29, a janitor at Belle Plaine High School heard footsteps on the school’s roof.

Three senior male students were found on the roof with the stolen sheep around 1:40 a.m.

According to VanDenBroeke, the students were wearing dark clothes and had their faces painted black.

But they weren't the only ones donning paint.

The abducted sheep was spray painted black and red (Belle Plaine’s school colors) and had an “07” decorating its side.

The students admitted that they planned to conduct the Homecoming prank by tying the sheep near the edge of the roof so that everyone could see it, VanDenBroeke said.

Belle Plaine High School's Homecoming game was scheduled for later that day when Belle Plaine would shut out Mayer-Lutheran 14-0.

The recovered sheep was returned to its owner, Kevin Bailey of Belle Plaine, and is reportedly going to be fine. VanDenBroeke noted that one of the students had kept the sheep at his house for the week and made sure it was fed and watered. 

The sheep still bears the marks of the abduction, however. “I’m sure it was painted with fairly permanent paint,” said Bailey. “So it will probably be that way until it goes to slaughter.

“It might knock $5 or $10 off its value," he added. "But that’s it. No big deal.”

According to VanDenBroeke, the students are facing charges of trespassing, cruelty to animals and a possible curfew violation.

Bailey himself isn’t planning on pressing any charges, however.

“I think it’s kind of humorous myself,” he said.

Submitted photos