To understand what Farm Sanctuary resident Noel went through before his rescue, you must first imagine being tied up and thrown in a car trunk, not knowing where you are or what’s going on. Then you must go one horrifying step further and imagine being left like that for two days. This wasn’t just an imaginary scenario for Noel, though — this was his life for the two days that he was left hog-tied in the back of a trunk, terrified and crying out, left with no food or water and little oxygen.
Noel snuggling with his friend Kerrie.
It is still devastating to consider what Noel endured at the hands of humans. If the individuals who had done this to him had never been caught, there is little doubt that he would have died in that trunk or been slaughtered later.
Fortunately, Noel’s captors made the mistake of cutting off a patrol officer with the Morgan Hill, CA, police department, while driving with Noel in the trunk. Their vehicle was pulled over, and the patrol officer heard what sounded like a baby crying from the trunk. Upon investigation, he discovered Noel — hog-tied and
terrified.
The patrol officer contacted local animal control officers, who picked up Noel and took the thin and terrified goat to a Santa Clara Animal Control facility. The driver and the two passengers were all charged with animal cruelty and booked into the county jail. Noel arrived at the animal control facility on
Christmas Eve 2011, which is how he got his name.
We heard of Noel’s plight and immediately reached out to
offer him a home at our Northern California Shelter in Orland, CA.
The day finally came when Noel arrived at the sanctuary. We were fully prepared to meet an extremely frightened goat, but to our surprise Noel was warm and friendly. He would even call to the caregivers
if they had to leave his immediate area.
Noel with his buddy Amy.
We were floored that this little goat who had been through an unbelievable amount of cruelty and trauma at the hands of humans was so quick to forgive.
Noel posing with his friend Breezy,
Noel continued to thrive at Farm Sanctuary. He became even more outgoing and boisterous — head-butting fences, playing king of the mountain on hay bales, and nibbling the leaves on trees by balancing on his back
feet. He quickly stole the hearts of all who met him.
In the years since Noel came to Farm Sanctuary, he has established himself as the leader for our “bachelor”
goat herd. While we can’t say that he is the most benevolent leader, we can say that he leads with a large amount of confidence, which the rest of the herd follows.
Noel leading the charge to say hello to a human friend.
Noel still runs up to shelter staff members for lots of love and attention whenever they stop by, and will even step between his humanimal friends and other goats if he feels that he hasn’t gotten enough attention.
Visiting with Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur.
Noel is always up for playtime and excitement. It is not uncommon to look across the sanctuary grounds and see him playing with one of his herdmates on top of the hill in their pasture.
Hanging out with Annie goat.
His best buddy in the herd is Justin, who likes to follow and imitate everything Noel does. He is never far from his side.
Best pals Justin and Noel.
Noel in front, with Justin checking out what’s going on from behind him.
Noel has captivated all of us with his resilience and inspiring ability to forgive after all he endured, and we are committed to giving him as much love as we possibly can for the rest of his life. We hope that he has forgotten the experiences of his youth, and will only remember feeling safe and loved at Farm Sanctuary.
Noel at the head of the group.
Please share Noel’s story. Together, we can encourage awareness and understanding about the rich emotional lives of goats like him.
Noel’s handsome profile and magnificent horns!
With your support, we can continue to promote compassionate vegan living through rescue, education, and advocacy efforts. A compassionate world begins with you!
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