Dead Goat Part Of State Fair Petting Zoo, Police Issue Statement

PELHAM, AL - When children arrived at the petting zoo portion of the Alabama Fair at Oak Mountain over the weekend, they were met with an unfortunate sight. Apparently one of the goats in the petting zoo was dead. This sparked a wave of controversy over social media bringing into question issues of animal cruelty and poor conditions at the fair for the animals.

The Pelham Police Department issued a statement Monday regarding the incident. "The Pelham Police Department received a complaint Saturday evening about a possible dead goat in the petting zoo at the Alabama Fair," the statement said. "Officers at the event responded to the area immediately, but the animal had already been removed."

Police said an investigation into the matter revealed the goat died as a result of an injury caused by another animal in the petting zoo. "Officers have observed the animals several times since the incident, including on Sunday and today," police said. "At no time did they observe any without food or water, and none appeared to be in distress."

Many of the people in attendance who witnessed the animal have said it was unpleasant and disturning, not only for the adults, but for the children especially. However, the Pelham PD consulted with veterinary experts who have determined this was not a case of animal cruelty. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

"Code enforcement has also reviewed the veterinary records for all of the animals" Pelham PD said in its statement. "We have determined this was an unfortunate accident. Nothing further will be released."

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