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Police seek witnesses and video as they probe theft of pygmy goat, turkeys, chickens and guinea fowl from smallholding in the Pylewell area of the New Forest

15:25, 03 October 2024

POLICE investigating the theft of 14 animals from a New Forest smallholding which left a family “devastated” are appealing for witnesses and video footage.

As reported by the A&T, a male pygmy goat, five turkeys, two chickens and six guinea fowl were stolen from fields in the Pylewell area during the night of Saturday 28th September.

Mandie Pidgley previously told how the animals were like “family pets” and loved by them all, especially her seven-year-old grandson.

The stolen goat, named Arlo, had been paired with female Coco who, Mandie said, would now pine for him.

Arlo the pygmy goat was stolen from a smallholding in the Pylewell area of the New Forest
Arlo the pygmy goat was stolen from a smallholding in the Pylewell area of the New Forest

Mandie explained the pair had been kept in a fenced off area of the fields, near South Baddesley Church, while the chickens were locked in their shed each night.

With neither the fields’ padlocked main gate not the paddock gate to the goats tampered with, it was thought the thieves gained access via roadside fences.

People were urged to come forward if they can assist the Hampshire force in their ongoing enquiries.

Mandie said Coco the pygmy goat will "pine" for Arlo
Mandie said Coco the pygmy goat will "pine" for Arlo

A spokesperson said: “As part of our investigation, we are keen to hear from anyone with any information, footage of the incident itself, or anyone who has any knowledge of the current whereabouts of the stolen animals.

“Were you in the area at the time of the incident? Did you witness anything suspicious?”

Mandie previously told the A&T: “We as a family are devastated by this theft.

Five turkeys were stolen from the smallholding in the Pylewell area of the New Forest
Five turkeys were stolen from the smallholding in the Pylewell area of the New Forest

“We have worked hard to build this flock up and the animals were enjoyed by all our family and their children – especially our seven-year-old grandson who we haven’t told they have been stolen. We don’t want him to think his little farm isn’t a safe place.”

Anyone with information should contact officers online at hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting reference 44240424520.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.

Chickens were stolen along with other animals from the smallholding in the Pylewell area of the New Forest
Chickens were stolen along with other animals from the smallholding in the Pylewell area of the New Forest
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