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A STATEMENT FROM THE PUCK FAIR COMMITTEE REGARDING THE TREATMENT OF THE GOAT

The welfare of the goat is of utmost importance to all involved in organising and running Puck Fair, an event and tradition that has been in existence for more than 400 years. We have strict protocols in place to ensure this welfare and they are overseen and checked by an independent veterinary surgeon:
  • The goat chosen each year is brought down from his mountain farm and paddocked in a farmyard three weeks before the Fair to ensure he becomes familiar with his handlers and acclimatised to people. By the start of the fair, he is well used to interacting with people at close quarters.

  • At the initial stage, the goat is examined and inspected thoroughly by a vet who determines that the goat is in good health. The vet, in turn, issues a certificate of health to the effect.

  • On the day of the coronation, King Puck is once again examined by a vet before being brought, in a controlled manner in a strictly stewarded parade, to the Goat Stand on the main square.  Members of the public are behind barriers, a minimum of five metres from the stand, as the coronation takes place.

  • The Goat is not, as has been claimed, hoisted and left alone for three days on the stand. King Puck is placed on his platform at 6 pm on August 10th and removed from the stand at 6 pm on August 12th – 48 hours later.  During that time he is checked on regularly by his handlers to ensure he has adequate space, food and water and he is examined daily by a certified vet.

  • The Goat is not, as has been claimed, hoisted and left alone for three days on the stand. King Puck is placed on his platform at 6 pm on August 10th and removed from the stand at 6 pm on August 12th – 48 hours later.  During that time he is checked on regularly by his handlers to ensure he has adequate space, food and water and he is examined daily by a certified vet.

  • The cage has also been extended to allow five inches of standing room between roof and its horns and there is guaranteed 24-hour emergency veterinary cover in place, should any unforeseen issues arise.
The Puck Fair committee has always been to the forefront of animal welfare, ensuring a safe and secure environment for the hundreds of animals on sale, both at the horse fair on August the 10th, and at the Cattle Fair on August 11th. The evening concert stages are specifically designed to ensure the goat is not affected. Specially angled speakers are used at all times to ensure the spread of sound does not reach the goat.It is ludicrous to suggest that a mountain goat would have a problem being out in all weathers and patently ignorant to suggest he is afraid of heights!Before the Puck returns to the wild he is again examined by a vet, and last year’s vet confirmed there was no physical or psychological damage in his expert opinion.