LOST OR STOLEN GOATS

If your goat or goats have been stolen there are a number of things you can do to try and find them

 

1. Contact the Police via 101

~ Call the non-emergency police number to report your goat as lost or stolen. Ask for a crime reference number, which will be helpful for tracking your report and assisting in insurance claims if applicable.

 

2. Alert APHA and DEFRA

~ Report the missing goat to APHA. They can assist with livestock identification, including checking movement records and, in cases of stolen livestock, working with local authorities.

~ The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is responsible for animal identification and movement regulations. They may have resources for tracking registered livestock. You can contact DEFRA to report a missing or stolen goat and confirm movement records.

 

4. Notify Local Councils and Livestock Markets

~ Some councils have animal welfare officers who may be able to help, particularly if the goat was lost.

~ Contact nearby livestock markets, auctions, and sales barns to alert them to your missing goat. Stolen animals may be moved through these venues, and staff can help be on the lookout.

 

5. Social Media and Online Lost Pet Databases

~ Use local farming and lost pet groups on Facebook and other platforms. Many communities have networks specifically for rural areas, and these groups can spread the word quickly.

~ Some websites and networks, such as Missing Pets GB or local farming groups, may help spread awareness and assist in locating missing livestock. Beware ransom seekers especially if they ask for money via bank transfer.

 

6. Contact Farming and Livestock Organizations.

~ National Sheep Association (NSA) and National Farmers’ Union (NFU) These organizations can offer support and may provide additional advice or contacts for recovering lost or stolen livestock.

~ If your goat is a registered breed, notify the relevant breed society, as they can help spread awareness within their network.

 

7. Microchip Database

~ If your goat is microchipped you should alert your microchip database.

 

8. Local newspapers will have a lost and found section.

 

9. Call as many animal sanctuaries as you can find

10. Contact Trading standards 0345 045 5206

 

11. Make them too hot to handle by posting their picture absolutely everywhere and encourage everyone who sees your pictures to do the same.

 

 

If you’re considering buying a goat, it’s essential to take steps to verify its origins to ensure it hasn’t been stolen. Here are some ways to help confirm that the goat is legally and ethically sourced:

 

1. Ask for Documentation

~ Request documents like receipts, bills of sale, or transfer papers from the current owner, especially if they claim to have purchased the goat from someone else.

~ Goats must have movement records as part of livestock identification requirements. Ask the seller to provide these, as they should document where the goat has been previously kept.

 

2. Check Ear Tags and Identification

~ By law, goats must be tagged with official ear tags that include their identification number. Check that the ear tag is intact and matches the documentation. If in doubt, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) or DEFRA with the goat’s ear tag number. They may help verify if the goat is registered to the seller or if it has been reported stolen.

 

3. Observe Seller Behavior

~ Be cautious if the seller seems overly eager to make a quick sale, has limited information about the goat’s background, or won’t/can’t provide documentation.

~ If the seller insists on meeting in a location other than their farm or refuses to let you see the goat’s living conditions, it could suggest they don’t want you to see their setup or question the goat’s origin.

 

4. Look for Signs of Tampered Identification

~ Be wary if the ear tag looks damaged, altered, or newly replaced without explanation, as this could indicate an attempt to obscure the goat’s identity

~ Goats are legally required to have ear tags. A goat without a tag may be stolen or not correctly registered, which raises questions about its origin.

 

5. Ask for Herd Health and Veterinary Record

~ Responsible sellers will, by law, have vet records and health certificates. These documents can indicate the goat’s history and verify that it has been under regular care. Lack of records may be a red flag.

 

6. Unusually Low Price

~ If the goat is priced well below the market value, it could indicate a quick sale to avoid detection. Familiarize yourself with average prices for the breed and age of the goat you’re buying to recognize suspiciously low offers.

 

7. Inquire Locally and Online

~ Ask local farmers, breed associations, or online forums if they’ve heard of recent goat thefts. You could also check for recent posts in lost livestock groups and online marketplaces that match the goat’s description.

~ Look up the seller’s name, phone number, or email on social media and online marketplaces to see if they have any history of selling livestock. If they frequently sell animals without much background, it may be a sign of illicit sales.

 

What to Do if You Suspect the Goat is Stolen

~ If you suspect the goat may be stolen, avoid purchasing it and report your suspicions to the local police (via 101) or Trading Standards (0345 045 5206)

~ Notify APHA or DEFRA about your concerns. They can investigate further and help prevent livestock theft.