Pygmy Goat Buyers and Sellers – Covid 19
During the coronavirus pandemic there has been an increased demand for pygmy goats especially as they are increasingly portrayed as 'cute' or 'the new dog' and prices of puppies have soared. Despite the impression sometimes given in social media, especially in posts from the USA, pygmy goats are kept in a stable, barn or large shed and NOT kept inside homes. Pygmy goats are herd animals and at least two pygmy goats need to be kept together. Pygmy goats will be ready to leave their mother when they are no longer dependent on milk and are eating hay and other fibre, browse and hard feed, which is normally around 12-14 weeks of age. Pygmy goats are NOT bottle fed away from their mother except in rare circumstances as this can sadly result in distress, illness and death. In the UK all pets are covered by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and pygmy goats are also covered by Livestock regulations and there are legal requirements in England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland e.g. CPH number, Herd Mark and Movement Licence.
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 a pet owner has a legal duty to ensure the welfare of their animal[s]. A pet's welfare needs include a proper diet, somewhere suitable to live, any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, allowing animals to express normal behaviour, free from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Beware Facebook SCAMS ! e.g. someone asking you to pay a deposit before you visit the breeder or seller to look at pygmy goats. Check the seller is located in the UK ! Look in the PGC Breeders List to find a breeder in your area, read Guidelines for Buyers and contact the PGC Regional Advisors for your area.