Lock keeper's wife launches petition to bring back the goats

The goats were a popular sight at the lock until the Environment Agency apparently asked for them to be removed.

Now Lizzie Hawkins, the wife of the lock keeper Richard Hawkins, has launched the change.org petition calling for the goats to be allowed to return to Lock Island.

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According to her petition the goats brought the local community 'immeasurable happiness'.

The petition says: "I'm Lizzie and I am the wife of the Lock Keeper at Abingdon Lock and 'Mum' to four handsome and cheeky pygmy goats - Boomer, Dingle, Tootle and Tumble - who live in our garden.

"In Spring 2023, I began taking them onto the Lock Island for short periods so the locals could stroke and scratch them. The public soon fell in love with the boys and they quickly became part of lock life!"

Mrs Hawkins adds: "In August 2023, I was advised that the Environment Agency - who own the land and employ my husband - would not allow the goats on the island. Knowing how much joy these four fluffballs brought to everyone, I've spent the last nine months doing all I can to address the concerns that led to their removal and to get the Environment Agency to reconsider.

"The happiness these goats bring to the community at Abingdon Lock is immeasurable and I believe it's worth fighting for. I urge those responsible for this decision to reconsider and find a way for Boomer, Dingle, Tootle and Tumble to return to their island home.

"Please sign this petition if you too want to see the goats back at Abingdon Lock!"

The petition so far has 464 signatures with the next goal being 500.

The Environment Agency has been asked for comment.

In 2017 Mr Hawkins was crowned the best lock keeper in the country for hospitality.

That year Mr Hawkins and his 77-year-old assistant keeper Frank Jordan were presented with the British Marine Inland Boating association's Lock Keeper of the Year award.

In 2016, Mr Hawkins saw three men flailing in the water next to an upturned rowing boat.

He threw rope to the men and hauled them out before ringing an ambulance, only for a fourth man who had hauled himself out separately to collapse and go into cardiac arrest.

The lock keeper started giving CPR until paramedics arrived.

To sign the petition visit change.org/p/free-the-abingdon-four

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

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