Man who takes goat for walks 'amazed' by new fame

Initially David Hughes had a female goat for milk, but she fell pregnant and gave birth to Boo

A man who has been walking his goat around a city for nearly a decade was surprised by his newfound fame.

David Hughes has taken his pygmy goat Boo, aged 10, on trips through Milton Keynes for "most of his life".

Earlier this month, Boo was featured in the Milton Keynes Citizen newspaper, and now people in the park have started to recognise him from the media coverage.

Mr Hughes was "amazed it had taken so long" for the goat to be "discovered" and added: "I guess I'm known as the crazy goat man, but he brings joy to people in the park."

His owner said one dog in a park "got a sniff in round the back" which Boo did not like

The goat owner admitted: "There was no aspirations for making him famous, eventually the media have cottoned on to him, but he cheers people up that's the key.

"There's no crowds or groupies, it's just the same old same old really."

David said he often visits different locations with Boo but found more people recognise him

While other dogs can be inquisitive, most keep a distance from Boo during his walks.

His owner said parents and pet owners are usually excited to see the goat walking around the city.

The 47-year-old has also spotted drivers take a double look and smile at the sight of a goat on a leash.

He said: "It seems to really cheer them up in the morning.

"When we go out for walks, he's always cheering somebody up."

Before each walk, Boo eats a mix of pygmy goat mix and carrots

The goat was named Boo because he would often hide himself in the kitchen and surprise the family he lived with.

Mr Hughes started taking the goat on walks after he developed osteoarthritis in his front legs.

To walk the goat in Milton Keynes, his owner had to apply for a special licence.

He said the animals’ favourite location to visit was the Bancroft Roman Villa.

"There's a bridge and I've never seen any trolls on it so I guess he's doing his job alright," he added.