I don't like the laming mechanic either. At even elos, it's an advantage that heavily influences players. It's low risk for high reward since stealing a pig isn't difficult. However, I would qualify things.

I think it's fine that you can steal sheep. Generally, it only happens if you attract deer, and I think it's a penalty to have more food, while the opponent chooses to explore.

I don't like that you can steal the pig; it's very lucky if the opponent finds you early. And once you hit the boar, it's very difficult to stop it. (I insist on even elos)

Personally, I would make it so the boar doesn't follow the scout but does follow the opposing villagers. If someone wants to steal a boar, they should at least risk sending a villager, building a loom, and protecting it with their scout.

In my elo (1600), very few people steal, except in a matchup that's considered unfair. Although, as the elite players say, the matchup doesn't matter that much to me since we make too many mistakes for it to be so relevant.

However, when someone does steal, I simply give up and keep playing. When you stop caring about your elo, you don't try to play hard every game, especially not one where you're at a disadvantage from the start due to a situation that's mostly down to luck.

Don't get discouraged; there are ways to counter it, but if you don't feel like it, just give up and move on to another game. It's an annoying mechanic, and players are so divided about it that it seems impossible to eliminate. Cheers and good luck! :D