ONE of the East Cliff goats born earlier this year has died after suffering a leg injury.

Back in July, one of the goats from the East Cliff had triplets, called Tom, Dick and Harry.

However, earlier this month, Dick was put down after suffering an injury to his leg.

A post on the Bournemouth East Cliff Goats Facebook page said: “I'm very sorry to have to tell you all that, despite a very brave fight, Dick had to be put to sleep this morning.

“Sadly it had become apparent that the damage to his back legs was far more complicated than the vet had first hoped.

“He was requiring pain medication every couple of days and although able to move around it was becoming more difficult for him each day.

“This morning he took a turn for the worse and I called the vet immediately.

“Upon examination she felt that it was time to let him go. I am absolutely devastated.”

A spokesperson for BCP Council added: “We’re deeply saddened that one of the goat triplets had to be put to sleep by the vet on August 8 following an injury.

“Sadly, it had become apparent that the damage to his back legs was far more complicated than the vet had first hoped, and on the morning of August 8 he took a turn for the worse.

“We were absolutely devastated by the loss and miss him greatly.”

Despite the loss, Tom and Harry remain healthy but are yet to be moved to the East Cliff.

The goat scheme is part of BCP Council’s climate and ecological emergency.

Seven Boer goats were placed on the cliff in early 2020 to graze areas dominated by non-native vegetation.

British feral goats have been grazing an area of the cliff at Honeycombe Chine in Boscombe for a number of years, prompting the council to extend the scheme to the East Cliff.

Speaking on the scheme as a whole, the BCP Council spokesperson said: “The scheme of East Cliff is going well; the goats are healthy, happy and well looked after.

“They are helping us by doing a great conservation management job as well as proving to be a popular visitor attraction.

“We would like to advise all our visitors that the goats have plenty of natural food, so please don’t be tempted to feed them.”