'Billy' goat found wandering in Durham finds new home

With a winning bid of $200, Billy Geoffrey Clyde now belongs to Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary, an animal rescue operation based in Rougement.

"We were prepared to go as high as necessary to ensure his safety," said Alesja Daehnrich, co-founder and executive director of Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary, which provides shelter and sanctuary to animals.

The Durham Sheriff's Office held an auction Thursday for the Boer goat, which was found wandering in the area of East Eberlee and Dominion streets in Durham on July 17. He was placed in the care of Blind Spot while the sheriff's office searched for his owners, and later remained in boarding until the auction, which is North Carolina law for stray livestock, Daehnrich said.

Blind Spot came in with the highest bid during Thursday's auction and Billy will remain with them for now.

Daehnrich said the goat is part of a breed often raised as a meat source. That’s why Blind Spot felt the need to place the highest bid to ensure he stayed in the right hands, according to the group.

Blind Spot partners with the Durham Sheriff's Office, offering boarding for farm animals picked up by deputies since the sheriff’s office is not properly set up to house them, Daehnrich said.

"The Durham Sheriff’s Office is absolutely great to work with and they care deeply about the welfare of the animals they pick up," she said.

Blind Spot is home to nine other rescued goats, according to Daehnrich.

Billy will be up for adoption again once he is fully vetted, which will include full veterinary care, such as a blood test, vaccines, deworming, neuter and a microchip, Daehnrich said.