Escaped Goats Captured, Returned To Farm: Clinton Police

CLINTON, CT — Animal control officers successfully captured and returned a small herd of three goats that had been roaming in the area of Nod Road in Clinton for the past several months, according to police.

The Clinton Police Department’s Animal Control Officer, Ryan Sheehan, worked in coordination with the Durham Animal Response Team (DART), Madison Animal Control, and the Westbrook/Essex/Deep River Regional Animal Control to capture and return the goats, according to Clinton Police Sgt. Spencer Mangs.

Mangs said the goats, which had occasionally been visible to motorists traveling on Interstate 95, were safely trapped and taken back to the local goat farm that they had originally come from.

“After the goats’ initial escape, it became clear that a simple capture attempt would not be effective,” Mangs wrote in a news release. “A coordinated plan was developed to feed the goats in a designated location at consistent times in order to acclimate them to the area. Trail cameras were used to monitor their behavior and overall health.

“Once the goats became accustomed to the feeding schedule, DART and Clinton Animal Control erected a temporary corral at the feeding site. The corral was gradually modified over time and ultimately used to safely contain and capture the goats.

“All three goats were trapped together, loaded into a livestock trailer, and transported back to their home. The animals appeared to be in good health at the time of capture.

“The Clinton Police Department extends its appreciation to DART, Madison Animal Control, and the Westbrook/Essex/Deep River Regional Animal Control for their assistance and coordination in ensuring the safe recovery of the animals, as well as to the many concerned citizens who contacted authorities about the roaming goats and expressed concern for their safety.”