Three baby pygmy goats stolen from a farm have been found, to the delight of their six-year-old owner.
Jasmine, Primrose and Poppy, who are only four months old, were taken from Honeycomb Farm in Hailsham on Monday, July 1.
Farmer’s daughter Rae Koc was heartbroken over the disappearance of her beloved goats - but has now had an emotional reunion with them.
The three pygmy goats were stolen from a farm in Hailsham (Image: Honeycomb Farm)
Her father Paul Koc, who owns the farm with wife Antonia, said Rae was distraught when they were taken as she had spent a lot of time with them since they were born.
Rae even hand reared Jasmine as she was rejected by her mum.
In a bid to make the goats “too hot to handle”, Paul and Antonia issued an appeal in the press and on social media for their safe return.
In a joyful turn of events, the three baby goats were found in a field off Stonehurst Lane in Uckfield on Thursday, three days after they were stolen.
The goats were recovered by Sussex Police (Image: Sussex Police)
Police recovered the goats and reunited them with the family on Friday.
Paul said: “We want to thank everyone who shared on social media, the press who broadcast the story and Sussex Police for their work on the investigation.
“We’re so pleased they have been returned, it means so much to us and especially my daughter.
Rae was emotional when she was reunited with her goats (Image: Paul Koc)
“We now want to find out who the culprits are so this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
The goats were found with their ear tags removed, leaving minor injuries, but were otherwise unharmed.
They are thought to have been left in the field between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.
Farm owner Paul was delighted when he heard the news (Image: Sussex Police)
A police investigation into the theft is ongoing and anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information should contact police online or via 101, referencing serial 300 of 01/07.
Sergeant Tom Carter, from the Rural Crime Team, said: “This has been an extremely distressing time for this family and we recognise the impact animal theft has on victims.
“That is why we take all reports of this nature extremely seriously, and will investigate all reasonable lines of enquiry.
“If you can help with the investigation, please report it to the police.”
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