Happy to see Jessie the goat back recuperating at Devon Meadows are, from left, Sharon Williamson from Nigel’s Animal Rescue, Barrie Tapp from the Animal Cruelty Hotline and Sergeant Gavin Buchan from the Cranbourne Police Station. 42844Picture: Donna Oates
By Bridget Brady
A GOAT that was dumped over a fence in Cranbourne and left for dead is on the road to recovery.
The female goat, named Jessie, has been on the mend at Nigel’s Animal Rescue in Devon Meadows after it was found in a bad way at a property on Thompsons Road recently.
Barrie Tapp from the Animal Cruelty Hotline said the goat was “virtually dead” when it was found.
He said he was still struggling to understand how someone could treat an animal in such a cruel way.
Two weeks ago the News reported a man saw someone get out of a maroon Range Rover parked on the side of the road and throw something over the fence before driving off.
“It couldn’t get up. It was hardly breathing,” Mr Tapp said.
Jessie has put on three kilograms and has made excellent progress since she was found.
Mr Tapp said he received plenty of calls from people who had offered to take the goat in.
“We’re thrilled. We’re going to decide on that (future home) after the goat is in a better condition.”
Mr Tapp said he wanted to thank Sergeant Gavin Buchan from Cranbourne Police for his work on the case.
Sharon Williamson from Nigel’s Animal Rescue has been taking care of the young goat, estimated to be about 18-months-old, and said Jessie was on her way to full strength.
“Jessie had made some new friends with some of the chooks and cats in the yard,” she said.
“She even bleats now.”
Police are still investigating the matter.
Anyone with information can contact Sergeant Gavin Buchan at Cranbourne Police Station on 5991 0600.
Mr Tapp said anyone could report animal cruelty on 1800 751 770.
