The Rocky Hill Police Department in Connecticut is making history with the announcement of the first Police Patrol Goat (PPG) to help “locate evidence, track suspects and even subdue criminals with their horns.”
“We are excited to announce that we are deploying what we believe to be the first police patrol goat (PPG) in the state of Connecticut,” said the department.
Bonnie, an Oberhasli goat, is the first “police patrol goat (PPG)” in Connecticut.
“Many people may not know that goats, specifically the Oberhasli breed, have been gaining popularity overseas as the premier patrol animal for many police departments,” said the department online. “Goats have proven to be very agile and well known for their ability to climb and balance in precarious places and even have the ability to climb trees.”
According to the department, when trained properly, goats can utilize their keen sense of smell to locate evidence, track suspects and even utilize their horns to subdue criminals when necessary.
Bonnie was generously donated to RHPD by Hayes Farm 1868 in Rocky Hill, which recently began breeding Oberhasli goats with the hope to bring awareness and expand the use of police patrol goats throughout the region.
“Goats were first domesticated as livestock more than 10,000 years ago, and research conducted to test communication skills found that goats will look to a human for assistance when faced with a challenge, making them the perfect partner for our patrol staff.”
The department additionally said costs associated with Bonnie are expected to be far less than their K-9 counterparts since “goats pretty much eat anything.”
Congratulations, Rocky Hill PD and Bonnie and happy April Fools Day.
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