Seven baby goats have been stolen from Christmas Tree Farm in the village of Downe, Orpington, leaving their mothers 'distraught and bleating', according to farm manager Paul Gubby. The theft occurred overnight on Monday, June 22, and was discovered on Tuesday morning, June 23.
Theft Discovered After Storm
Gubby, who has worked at the Bromley farm for 43 years, was dealing with flood damage from a wild thunderstorm when he heard the mother goats 'screaming like mad'. The kids, aged around four to five weeks, typically run around the field, and the parents call out to get them back. However, this time Gubby noticed something was wrong. 'I walked around the farm and just couldn't find them. That's when we noticed they were missing,' he told MyLondon.
The mothers have been calling out continuously. 'They've been calling out, they're distraught. It will take them a few days to realise they're not there. The first day or two, they were bleating away. It made me feel very sad because they obviously want their babies back,' Gubby said.
Fear Goats Sold as Pets
Gubby fears the goats were stolen to be sold as pets, potentially fetching up to £400 each. The farm is particularly concerned about the welfare of the kids, as they still need their mothers' milk. 'They should still be with their mom for another four or five weeks at least. Now the mums have got big bags of milk on them which is being used,' he explained.
In a plea to the thieves, Gubby assured them that the farm only wants the goats returned safely and has no interest in prosecution. 'Just bring them back. No questions asked, even if it's dead at night, or just let us know, and we'll just come and collect them. We don't want to go down that line. We just want them back,' he said. He hopes the kids are being looked after by someone who loves animals, as there is a risk they could die if not properly cared for.
Farm Faces Additional Challenges
The theft adds to other difficulties faced by Christmas Tree Farm. Vet bills have increased, the price of hay has risen, and due to the heat, visitor numbers are low. 'Things aren't drastic at the moment but we just hope it doesn't go on for a few months,' Gubby added. He understands that the hot weather discourages visitors, as 'it's too hot for members of the public to walk around.'
