Two goats that were kept alongside the missing Yuki are seen in Mito, on Nov. 16, 2021. (Mainichi/Toru Morinaga)

       MITO -- A young goat kept for weed management in a vacant lot in front of JR Mito Station, north of Tokyo, has been missing since late night on Nov. 13.

       Yuki the 7-month-old goat was kept at the former site of Livin Mito, a commercial complex which closed in 2009, in front of the station's north exit. The male goat is owned by a ranch in Fukushima Prefecture, and had been rented out since mid-September along with two other goats -- including one of his parents -- to munch down the weeds on the lot.

       The lot is enclosed by a fence, and Yuki was reportedly allowed to roam free inside during the day, and was leashed to an iron post at night.

       Restaurant operator Naritaka Hayashi, 52, who was taking care of Yuki, had apparently tied up the three goats at around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, but when he went to feed them around 6 a.m. the next morning, Yuki was gone.

       Concerned elementary school children watch the two goats that were kept alongside the missing Yuki in Mito, on Nov. 16, 2021. (Mainichi/Toru Morinaga)

       The hook that connects the leash to the collar was found detached, and the animal may have been stolen, according to sources.

       "The goat's family is getting weak. Please return him immediately," said Hayashi. He is consulting with Ibaraki Prefectural Police's Mito Police Station, which is investigating the case.

       Many elementary school children pass by the lot when going to and from school, and the goats were becoming fan favorites for their adorable nature.

       (Japanese original by Toru Morinaga, Mito Bureau)

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