'Naughty' therapy goats get custom new trailer

"Naughty" therapy goats have been gifted a custom new trailer to help transport them to care homes, hospitals and schools.

Hensell Goat Rescue Care Farm, in Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire, cares for neglected animals and offers animal therapy on the farm and in community settings.

Gillian Henshaw, who runs the farm, launched an appeal for a purpose-built trailer for the mischievous goats last year and raised £4,095.

Henshaw said: "Goats can be a bit naughty so to be able to transport them in a purpose-built trailer is amazing and a game changer for us."

There has been a growing demand for visits from therapy goats in recent years, according to East Lindsey District Council.

Henshaw said the new trailer, which needed to be small enough to unhitch and to park in driveways, means the team can visit more community settings.

"The animals are so friendly, and everybody loves to cuddle a goat. It improves wellbeing and gives a sense of happiness," she said.

Out of the amount raised, £2,000 was donated by the East Lindsey Investment Fund.

The East Lindsey Investment Fund was set up in 2024 by East Lindsey District Council to "improve life for everyone across the district", the authority said.

Henshaw said: "We were absolutely overwhelmed at how quickly that people responded to the campaign."

Councillor Sarah Devereux added: "It means the therapy goats can be transported to more places in the community, so greater numbers of people can benefit from this valuable therapeutic work and improve their wellbeing."

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