Family’s desperate plea after theft of beloved goats from Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
Owners of the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie are begging for the public’s help following the devastating theft of three of their beloved goats, in what they claim was a “targeted” attack on their popular pets.
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Three “much loved” goats have been stolen from Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, sparking a police probe and calls for their safe return.
Police are investigating the “goat napping” from the chocolaterie, in Yarra Glen, between 6pm on Christmas Eve and 9.30am on Boxing Day.
It is believed that the offenders cut through the chocolaterie’s fences along the Melba Highway.
Tyre tracks were left throughout the paddock.
Chocolaterie owner Leanne Neeland told the Herald Sun that three mature male goats – Fudgy, Vanilla and Nelly – were stolen.
“They have been with us for a long time,” she said.
“They are the oldest three males goats we have. It seems targeted.
“Why were the big boys taken?”
Ms Neeland said the goats were “loved by many”, and had become an “accidental attraction” at the chocolaterie.
Seven-year-old Fudgy came to the eatery as a two-week-old kid, and was bottle-fed alongside his sister Cinnamon.
Nelly – born with only one ear – was adopted after being found by a dog pound, while Vanilla moved from a nearby farm.
“They only know the chocolaterie as their home,” Ms Neeland said.
“They are well fed, well loved and part of our family. Please bring them back.”
Police confirmed in a statement that they were investigating but said that no arrests had been made.
“The investigation is ongoing,” spokeswoman Natalie Butler said.
“Anyone with information or who has noticed any suspicious activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.”
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The chocolaterie has been inundated with possible leads after posting about their devastation online.
Ms Neeland said they had been told of a trio of goats seen near a highway, others spotted in trailers and even drove to Pheasant Creek after reports of a goat wandering by itself.
“We have been told about goat sightings and have raced down there hoping with great anticipation that it is our babies but unfortunately it hasn’t been.”