Animals Escape Enclosure Causing Traffic Disruption
A llama and two pygmy goats escaped from their enclosure, causing traffic on the A82 in Dumbarton to come to a halt. The incident occurred on Saturday, and the animals were captured on camera before their owner, Kevin McVey, successfully led them back home.
Owner Responds to Escape During Therapy Session
Kevin McVey, owner of Overtoun Llama Lodges, had taken four other llamas to a care home in Bishopton for an animal therapy session when he was informed about the escape. The llama, named Noah, is described by McVey as very intelligent and may have been searching for the rest of his herd. He was followed by two pygmy goats named Penny and Tuppence.
"The goats stick with their llama, so they bashed through the gates to be with him."
Details of the Escape
McVey explained that one set of gates had been left open, allowing Noah to jump over a second temporary barrier. He noted that llamas can jump six feet, which Noah managed with ease. McVey also mentioned that Noah’s mother had escaped during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that Noah had inherited strong jumping abilities.
"Llamas can jump six feet, so he's cleared them no problem,"he said.
"His mum got out during Covid, so he must have found his jumping legs."
Chasing the Animals and Ensuring Their Safety
Once Noah had escaped, the goats Penny and Tuppence followed closely behind. McVey was fortunate to be on his way home when he received the call about the escape. He initially expected to find the animals on a nearby grassy area but discovered them on the road instead.
"I expected to find them on the grassy area, but I think they had gone and checked another nearby care home I visit first, and I found them on the road,"he said.
"You're stressed and worried about traffic, but it was fine. Noah is pure white so you can't miss him, and the roads were quiet."
Regaining Control and Returning the Animals
McVey described the process of regaining control over the animals as manageable once he located them. He compared handling Noah to managing a large dog, using vocal commands and food to guide him.
"It's just like a big dog — you shout on him and shake a bucket of food and he comes running,"he said.
After securing Noah on a lead, McVey safely guided the animals back. He even used a pelican crossing to help Noah cross the road.
"To get back, I pushed the button on the pelican crossing and brought him back across the road,"he added.
