Saved by the bale! Kashmiri goats are rescued from Welsh mountain by a giant walkway of hay bales

• Herd of Kashmiri goats were stranded on rocky outcrop on Great Orme, Wales
• Believed two females had been pursued off safe land by males looking to mate
• The RSPCA and council workers laid hay bales up the rocks to aid their escape
• The Kashmiri herd became famous for invading streets in Llandudno during the first national lockdown

Animal rescuers have rigged up a giant walkway of hay bales to save a herd of wild goats after they became trapped on treacherous rocks next to the sea.

The herd of Kashmiri goats were stranded on the dangerous outcrop after wandering around on their Great Orme, North Wales home looking to mate.

The flock hit the headlines last year after going walkabout Llandudno, North Wales, during lockdown – invading streets, homes and gardens.

But their latest adventure saw them go onto the unstable rocks known as Austin’s Rock which overlooks crashing waves.

Animal rescuers have rigged up a giant walkway of hay bales to save a herd of wild goats after they became trapped on treacherous rocks next to the sea

The herd of Kashmiri goats were stranded on the dangerous outcrop after wandering around on their Great Orme home looking to mate

RSPCA chiefs say the animals became stranded after two female goats came into ‘season’ – and were pursued by 18 Billy goats off of safe land and towards the rocks near the sea.

One kid goat was also stranded, with RSPCA officers fearing they were at severe risk from high tides at the next full moon.

And the flock also faced starvation due to a lack of grazing and food supply on the rocks.

The charity teamed-up with council officials to devise an ‘innovative rescue plan’ to create a path of dozens of hay bales for the goats to climb back to safety.

The charity teamed-up with council officials to devise an ‘innovative rescue plan’ to create a path of dozens of hay bales for the goats to climb back to safety 

RSPCA inspectors Mike Pugh and Mark Roberts laid the path of bales up the rocks and now all 21 stranded goats have walked back to safety.

An RSPCA officer said: ‘It is a great example of what can be achieved together for animal welfare.’

Coastguards say people were putting themselves at risk trying to get the perfect picture with the Kashmiri goats – well known for taking over a Welsh seaside town.

The notorious herd caused chaos when they ventured down from their hilltop homes and invaded shops and gardens in Llandudno.

The Great Orme goat population has roamed wild for more than a century – and were originally a gift from Queen Victoria.

The flock hit the headlines last year after going walkabout Llandudno, North Wales, during lockdown – invading streets, homes and gardens

Lord Mostyn acquired a pair of goats from the Royal Herd and brought them to the Llandudno area with the population growing steadily ever since.

Inspector Pugh said: ‘These goats were in real trouble – and had a rescue plan not been hatched, they would either have starved or drowned; as there was no grazing or palatable water and they were at risk from the tide at the next spring tide later this week.

‘They got into trouble after two female goats came into season – and they were pursued by Billy goats ending up on an outcrop of rock and in real danger.

‘We’re so grateful to the local authority for their help with this operation, and delighted we have been able to help in what was an innovative rescue mission and a really good example of what can be achieved together for animal welfare.

‘The plan was hatched to create a walk-way off the rocks for the goats and back to safety – so we made a tiered path of 50 hay bales, and gradually, the goats made their way back.

‘Fortunately, 18 goats had got themselves to safety before the weekend – and the remaining three walked to safety over the weekend. It’s a huge relief as the alternative for these animals was unthinkable.’

Cllr Greg Robbins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation at Conwy County Borough Council said: ‘I would like to thank the member of the public who reported the issue with the goats initially.

‘It is great news that all the goats have been brought back to safety by the collaborative working of Council staff and the RSPCA.’ 

Source: Read Full Article