Rampaging feral goats tormenting motorists are a protected native species

At least two members of the herd of feral goats which has been rampaging through Ennis, Co Clare, in recent weeks have been identified as Old Irish goats — an ancient breed protected under the Convention of Biological Diversity.

A herd of more than 20 goats has been tormenting residents and motorists in Ennis for the past month, and, according to Fine Gael councillor Mary Howard, have been “procreating like there is no tomorrow”.

According to Sean Carolan of the Old Irish Goat Society, two adult members of the herd are Old Irish goats, a native species which has existed for more than 7,000 years and which is a genetically different species to farmed goats, most of which were introduced into Ireland in the past 100 years.