Visitors to an award-winning farm have been banned from feeding animals following an incident which resulted in the death of three rare-breed goats.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council introduced the temporary ban at its Tannaghmore Rare Breeds Animal Farm in recent days.
With Irish Moiled, Dexter and Shetland cattle; Galway and Jacob sheep; Bagot goats; Oxford Sandy and Black pigs; a Connemara pony and a large number of poultry and waterfowl, the farm is home to a wide range of rare and, in some cases, vulnerable native farm breeds.
Loss of 3 goats
“As the special livestock have their own unique and tailored dietary plan, visitors are asked to not overfeed the animals as they could get sick or die by eating too much or eating food that is not suitable for them.”
“Sadly, the farm recently lost three of its cherished Bagot goats due to them being overfed inappropriate food, representing a significant loss to the numbers of this vulnerable breed and not least, a huge blow to the devoted and dedicated farmhands who tend to and care for the animals.”
Temporary ban
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage commented: “We all want to ensure the health and safety of animals, which is why we are asking visitors to Tannaghmore Rare Breeds Animal Farm to adhere to the new feeding guidance.”
“By not overfeeding the animals, the rare livestock at the farm will remain healthy and you will play your part in ensuring the continuation of these endangered and vulnerable breeds.”
“While feeding the animals is now temporarily prohibited, visitors can be assured the animals will be fed the appropriate food daily by the farm staff and they are still welcome to engage and interact with these wonderfully unique and award-winning animals.”
Signage will be placed at key locations throughout the farm and staff will be on-site to offer assistance and advice on this new guidance.
The council confirmed this is a temporary situation and will be reviewed.
Image source: Bagot Goat Society Facebook
