Beach visitors warned not to pet cliffside goats

The herd live on a seven-mile (11km) stretch of cliffs at Bournemouth

People have been warned that cliffside goat enclosures at a tourist hotspot are "not a petting zoo" after visitors were seen stroking the animals.

Bournemouth Goats, a group responsible for managing the herd living next to the town's beaches, issued the warning on Facebook after two people were photographed petting the animals inside a fence.

The animals were introduced as a natural solution to control cliffside vegetation, replacing the need for petrol-powered mowers.

Herder Tanya Bishop said the fencing was there for a reason – to protect both the public and the goats.

"They are not pets, and approaching them is not safe," she said.

"The cliffs are dangerous. One wrong step could lead to serious injury – or worse."

Signs are displayed by fences asking people not to feed the goats

Ms Bishop explained that the male goats were not castrated, which made them more territorial and unpredictable.

"They may look calm, but unfamiliar humans in their space can cause stress, panic, and herd disruption - especially during kidding season or when young ones are present.

"Stress increases the risk of injury, weakened immunity, and changes in feeding patterns."

The group is concerned that if someone is injured, the goats could ultimately suffer the consequences.

"The second someone does get hurt, the goats are the ones who pay the price," Ms Bishop said.

In addition to the risk posed by the animals, the terrain itself is hazardous.

The cliffs are steep and unstable, with three landslips recorded last winter alone - one of which occurred near where the goats live on the East Cliff.

In the past rangers have urged people to contact them rather than the emergency services if they spot any problems.

The plea came after firefighters were called to the cliffs when a goat got its head stuck in a fence.