'Running of the Goats' turns baaad when animals go on the lam

COVINGTON, Ky., May 9 (UPI) -- A Kentucky town's first annual "Running of the Goats" turned into "Goats on the Run" when a group of the animals made a 24-hour dash for freedom.

Seven of the "Goebel Goats," named for Goebel Park, where they are employed as a lawn control measure, were due to run from the Covington Farmer's Market to their home at the park Saturday for the inaugural "Running of the Goats" event.

However, the event took a turn for the farcical about 1:15 p.m. when a number of goats -- variously reported as five or six -- jumped over one of the barriers meant to keep them on the route and went on a mad dash through town.

"They came out and then immediately started making a break for it," event volunteer Amanda Regensburger told WCPO-TV.

Most of the goats were captured Saturday by volunteers and witnesses, but two of the goats remained on the lam until Sunday morning, when they were found near the Devou Woods.

The goats were all uninjured and were returned to Goebel Park.

One volunteer involved in chasing after the goats reported suffering minor cuts when he dove after one of the escaping animals and scraped against a rock.

Parade organizers said they are considering some changes for next year's second annual Running of the Goats.