Police officers in Wiltshire were forced to deploy riot shields and a lasso to capture a runaway goat that went on a festive rampage, devouring a Christmas wreath and chasing a local resident.
The Festive Standoff in Upper Seagry
The unusual incident unfolded in the village of Upper Seagry, near Chippenham, when the animal made a break for freedom. According to reports, the goat first targeted a household's festive decorations, consuming a Christmas wreath. The situation escalated when the animal then chased a woman, prompting calls to the authorities.
Wiltshire Police responded swiftly to the scene. Body-worn video footage captured the chaotic moments as officers attempted to secure the goat. One officer was heard stating, ‘We’ve got it on a tow line, we’ve got some riot shields because he’s trying to butt my head.’ The goat proved a slippery customer, managing to escape the initial lasso before being successfully recaptured.
An Appetite for Mischief and Safety Equipment
The goat's appetite for destruction was not sated by the wreath alone. After being placed in the back of a police vehicle, the animal reportedly tried to eat some of the officers' safety equipment. Despite these challenges, police managed to secure the goat and return it safely to its owner.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police confirmed that officers had dealt with the incident promptly, ensuring the animal was caught and reunited with its owner without further disruption to the village.
Broader Context: Calls for Goat Protection
This bizarre local event coincides with a national debate about the protection of wild goat populations in the UK. The incident occurred as a cull of wild goats by Oxygen Conservation sparked renewed calls for legislative safeguards for the species.
The organisation, which owns 11,000 acres of moorland near the Scottish border villages of Langholm and Newcastleton, stated the cull was necessary to protect trees and delicate habitats. However, the action faced significant criticism, particularly as it was alleged to have occurred during the kidding season when females were giving birth.
In response, Scottish ministers are now considering new legislation to protect what campaigners describe as a 3,000-year-old species. A petition lodged in February argued that these 'neglected species' represent an 'independence of spirit reflective of our national character' and are in danger due to habitat loss and systematic culling.
While the goat in Wiltshire is now safely home, the episode highlights the unexpected challenges police can face and feeds into a larger conversation about how Britain manages and protects its native goat populations.
