Pygmy goats stolen from farm in Marshwood returned home safe

Margoat and Robbie the 10-month-old pygmy goats are back where they belong - with their family.

The goats were stolen from a Greenacres property in the west Dorset village of Marshwood at around 10pm on Thursday, leaving their owners, the Hill family, heartbroken.

Yesterday, Dorset, as well as Avon and Somerset Police, attended an address in Yeovil, Somerset, and recovered both stolen pygmy goats.

Alice Hill, 25, lives on the farm with her parents Mark and Kendra Hill. She said: "After the worst 24 hours of my life, we are ecstatic, couldn't be happier.

“I am so grateful to have Margoat and Robbie back. They are our family pets and mean everything. Thank you to everyone who made it possible. I can’t thank you enough.

"The police brought them home at around lunchtime. Margoat and Robbie are hungry but happy to be back. They even got a ride in a police car.

"Absolute massive thanks to Dorset and local police, they have been exceptional, working quickly and I am so grateful for all their hard work in bringing our babies home.

"Thank you to every single person who shared and liked our post. It was that which brought them home. Again thank you to everyone who helped I really can’t thank you enough.

"Please, please make sure you make sure your doors are securely locked and your animals are safe."

Margoat and Robbie in the police van (Image: Alice Hill)

The Hill family, who have lived on the farm for nearly two years, say they think several men turned up in a 4x4 vehicle to snatch the goats – believing the perpetrators knew exactly what they were doing.

The moment the thieves turned up to the farm was recorded on CCTV which shows a vehicle turning into the drive before one person is caught briefly by the camera.

Police are continuing the investigation and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

PC Sebastian Haggett, from Dorset Rural Crime Team, said: “I am over the moon we have managed to recover these goats however we still need the public's help.

"Did you see anything suspicious at 10pm on Thursday, January 11 in the Marshwood area? Please help share this appeal and let’s bring these people to justice.

"Pet theft is completely unacceptable”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240005815.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.