By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
HOPES are fading for a six-month-old circus goat which has been missing for more than two weeks and is thought to have been stolen.
The Circus Royale goat, Patrick, was reported missing on Monday 23 June while the troupe set up for its three-week stint at Westfield Fountain Gate.
Circus Royale owner and ringmaster Damian Syred said the last he had seen of Patrick was at 2.30am when he fed him treats at the Fountain Gate site.
He said Patrick and his nine-month-old companion, Donnie, had been firmly tethered and wouldn’t have been able to free themselves.
“At 7am in the morning when we all got up, Donnie was still there but Patrick was missing,” Mr Syred said.
“His lead and everything was gone, he was definitely taken.
“The two goats were really attached, even when they were loose, because often they just roam, but Patrick would never leave Donnie’s side.
“He wouldn’t have gone anywhere without Donnie.”
Mr Syred said he immediately contacted police and the City of Casey to report Patrick missing, but the goat has still not been found.
Hopes of finding Patrick dwindled with each passing day he said.
“He’s definitely missed around the show, all the animals are part of the family but especially the goats because they’re still so young and cute, we spoil them,” Mr Syred said.
“We do hope we can get him back, it’s getting longer and longer by the day.
“Our hopes are starting to dwindle – we hope he would be returned by now.”
Circus Royale will be performing shows at Fountain Gate until 20 July.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Narre Warren police on 9705 3111
