Animal activist’s money plea, alleged ‘Gippy Goat’ theft arrests continue
A 37-year-old Melbourne man is the latest activist to be charged over alleged the theft of livestock from Gippy Goat Cafe at Yarragon.
A 37-year-old Melbourne man is the latest animal activist to be charged over the alleged theft of livestock from Gippy Goat Cafe at Yarragon, with police still expecting to make further arrests.
Four people have now been charged with one count of theft each, after about 70 activists stormed the goat farm and tourist cafe the weekend before Christmas, allegedly stealing three goats and a lamb and loading them into the back of cars.
The Weekly Times recently reported a 24-year-old woman was arrested at her Koo Wee Rup home where the lamb and milking doe, among other animals unrelated to the theft, were found wearing human nappies.
The Weekly Times can now reveal the woman was asking the public to donate money directly into her personal bank account to provide “urgent care” for the doe.
In a recent post on Instagram she said the doe, which she named “Angel”, had a fatal disease and donations were needed for her medical care.
The woman promised all money donated would be “transferred to Angel’s carers”.
One person responded to the plea for money saying they had donated a “small amount” and would transfer more, while another person said they had transferred $30 to the 24-year-old’s bank account.
Another person questioned the posts legitimacy writing, “I’m all for rights but unless there’s a vet statement people will think you’re just crazy”.
John Gommans, who owns the cafe and milks 1900 goats, said “they are saying the goat had a fatal disease. It didn’t.”
“It had a sore foot and it was under treatment.”
Mr Gommans said the lamb and milking doe were now back at the farm happy and healthy.
Police told The Weekly Times they were aware the woman had been asking for money but would not be pressing any charges for that action as they did not feel it was deceitful.
Police said all four activists were remaining tight-lipped over the whereabouts of others involved and the kid and black doe, which remain missing.
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