Unexpected Settlement: California Girl’s Struggle Over Seized Pet Goat Cedar

A California family’s fight for justice over their daughter’s beloved pet goat ends in a $300,000 settlement, but the emotional scars remain.

At a Glance

A California girl won a $300,000 settlement after police seized and killed her pet goat, Cedar
The goat was initially entered into a livestock auction but the family changed their minds
Shasta County Sheriff’s Office seized the goat without a warrant, citing non-binding state fair rules
The settlement funds will be placed in a trust for the girl, who remains heartbroken
Litigation against fair officials and the youth program is ongoing

A Family’s Heartbreak and Legal Battle

In a case that has drawn national attention, a young California girl and her family have won a $300,000 settlement from Shasta County and its Sheriff’s Office over the seizure and slaughter of their beloved pet goat, Cedar. The incident, which occurred in 2022, has sparked debates about government overreach and the emotional bonds between children and their animal companions.

Jessica Long had purchased Cedar for her daughter, who was participating in a youth development program. The goat was initially entered into the Shasta County District Fair for auction. However, when the time came to part with Cedar, the young girl, who was only 9 years old at the time, found herself unable to let go of her cherished pet.

A Mother’s Desperate Attempt to Save Cedar

Desperate to keep Cedar, Long took extraordinary measures to protect her daughter’s pet. She moved the goat to a farm in Sonoma County, about 200 miles away from their home. Long even offered to cover any financial losses incurred by the fair, but officials remained adamant that the auction rules must be followed.

“After the auction, [the daughter] would not leave Cedar’s side,” the lawsuit read, according to Courthouse News.

Despite pleas from the family and even the intervention of California State Senator Brian Dahle, who had placed the highest bid for Cedar and subsequently waived his rights to the animal, fair officials insisted on enforcing the auction rules. This inflexibility would set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately lead to Cedar’s tragic fate.

The Controversial Seizure and Its Aftermath

In a move that has been heavily criticized, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant and traveled approximately 500 miles round trip to seize Cedar. The deputies acted on non-legally binding state fair guidelines, a decision that would later prove costly for the county.

“Unfortunately, this litigation cannot bring Cedar home. But the $300,000 settlement with the County of Shasta and Shasta County Sheriff’s Office is the first step in moving forward,” Advancing Law for Animals said.

The goat was subsequently slaughtered, with its meat allegedly used in a community barbecue. This action not only devastated the young girl but also raised serious questions about the extent of government authority in such matters.

Legal Implications and Ongoing Litigation

While the $300,000 settlement marks a significant victory for the family, it does little to ease the emotional pain caused by Cedar’s loss. The funds will be placed in a trust for the young girl, who remains deeply affected by the incident.

“The young girl who raised Cedar lost him, and Cedar lost his life,” the lawsuit read.

Christopher Pisano, representing Shasta County, maintained that the county did nothing wrong but settled to avoid the risks and costs associated with a jury trial. Meanwhile, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office has declined to comment further, citing ongoing litigation.