A Norfolk woman is distraught after 11 female goats she owned with some friends went missing.

Eastern Daily Press: Diamond and Bluebell, two of the goats which have gone missing from a field between Castle Acre and South Acre. Picture: Lucy OstinDiamond and Bluebell, two of the goats which have gone missing from a field between Castle Acre and South Acre. Picture: Lucy Ostin (Image: Archant)

And aside from the pain of losing her beloved pets, she fears there could be dire consequences if the goats were stolen to be sold for meat, as they had been treated with chemicals to heal their skin.

Lucy Ostin, from Lyng, said the flock was in a field between Castle Acre and South Acre near Swaffham and were last seen on Thursday morning (September 14).

Mrs Ostin said: 'I'm extremely upset about losing them, and what I'm really worried about is that they could end up in the food chain.

'When we received them they had a skin condition, and were treated with Ivermectin and Phenylbutazone.

Eastern Daily Press: Owner Lucy Ostin fears the missing goats could end up on being killed for meat. Picture: Lucy OstinOwner Lucy Ostin fears the missing goats could end up on being killed for meat. Picture: Lucy Ostin (Image: Archant)

'The consequences if somebody eats them could be catastrophic.'

Mrs Ostin said anyone who ate the meat could suffer swelling of the lymph nodes, headaches, nausea and more.

She said she suspected the goats, which are all about 18 months old, might have been stolen.

Mrs Ostin said: 'I can't imagine that 11 goats can just vanish. We have been out searching for 48 hours and we've seen no sign of them whatsoever.

'So of course we're wondering if someone came and took them.'

Mrs Ostin bought the goats, which have distinctive brown and white markings, about six months ago.

The incident has been reported to the police. Anyone with information should report it on 101.