Goats are classed as livestock, so owners must comply with strict identification laws. Picture: RitaE from Pixabay

Police appeal to find owner of 20 escaped goats

Jamie JonesAugust 17, 20260 Comment0

POLICE have issued an appeal to find the owner of a number of goats which “may have escaped”.

Amesbury Police said approximately 20 of the cloven-hoofed animals were found in Tidworth on Sunday (August 16).

There were no visible tags so they have been unable to locate the owner. A police spokesperson said: “If you know who these may belong to please contact 101 quoting log 170 of today’s date (16/08).”

While goats can be kept as pets, they are classed as livestock, so owners have a legal responsibility to register the property they are kept as an agricultural holding, and comply with strict animal welfare and identification laws.

All goats require two visible or approved identifiers such as ear tags and pastern bands, or a ruminal bolus internal device, displaying an official herd mark. This rule applies to all keepers, even if only keeping a few as pets.

According to the gov.uk website, these rules ensure goats, including those kept as pets, can be traced to prevent and contain disease.