Hank Snyder
While Gene Zimmermann was in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, 43 goats were stolen from his farm in the town of Trenton.
WAUPUN — More than 100 goats were stolen from two area farms in late July.
Gene Zimmermann, who has a farm at W8710 Redwood Drive in the town of Trenton, said he had 43 goats valued at $14,000 stolen earlier this week while he was at a convention in Washington D.C.
"I've been farming over 25 years, and this is the first time this has happened," he said.
Zimmermann said he has heard of other farmers having their goats stolen recently, even in Minnesota and Iowa.
"If this is true and they are being taken across state lines then you will have federal authorities involved because of the threat of TB," he said.
Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls said this was the county's first major goat theft.
"We've had one or two cases over the past 10 years. Usually someone wants a goat for eating or for a ritual," he said.
Green Lake County Chief Deputy Sheriff Mark Putzke said that 30 to 40 springing goats and 30 yearling goats were taken on July 29 from the Barry Van Buren farm at W1511 Lake Maria Road, Markesan.
"They were behind a chain link fence, the gate was moved. They were an estimated $18,000 in value," he said.
Putzke said they are continuing their investigation.
He also said Green Lake County Crime Stoppers is looking for tips and if anyone has any information they can call 1-800-438-8436.