A Californian Family Faces Legal Fight After a Goat Auction Incident
A nine-year-old girl from California and her family are pursuing legal action against a state fair following an event in which their pet goat, named Cedar, was put up for auction and could have faced butcher’s meat. The English-language press has covered the case as reported by Metro.
According to the family’s account, Cedar was purchased by the girl’s mother, Jessica Long, in April 2022 as a seven-month-old kid. In June, the plan changed: the mother initially arranged an auction to sell the goat for meat, but the girl formed a strong attachment to Cedar and the family reconsidered at the last moment.
Officials at the fair reportedly denied the family’s plea to keep Cedar, resulting in the animal being auctioned for $902. In a decision described by the family as a theft, Long’s daughter’s mother allegedly took Cedar, a move that prompted threats of criminal charges against those who would attempt to reclaim the animal.
Law enforcement then intervened, and Cedar was taken into custody. The final status of Cedar has not been disclosed. The girl’s family is seeking compensation for the perceived losses stemming from the incident and the ongoing distress caused by the situation.
In related reporting, there has been controversy tied to claims about excessive animal use at zoological facilities abroad, including allegations about the handling of dwarf goats in a separate case involving a former zoo director in Mexico.
Authorities and advocates emphasize the importance of clear rules around animal ownership, fairs, auctions, and the responsibilities of caretakers. The case continues to unfold as the family pursues legal remedies and public discussion about animal welfare and family protections in events of this kind.