COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – The Susquehanna SPCA rescued five goats from a home Tuesday night after a concerned citizen called the animal cruelty hotline.

Stacie Haynes, executive director of the SQSPCA, says the goats are very thin, but three of them should be able to recover with basic medical care.

The other two goats will need more intense treatment because their hooves are overgrown, according to Haynes. She says one of the goats even started walking on his knees because of his overgrown hooves.

“The one on his knees is like that all of the time. Our task force veterinarian said he is like that because his hooves were overgrown for so long, he started using his knees because walking on his feet was too painful,” said Haynes.

The goat likely has arthritis and other issues from walking on his knees, according to the veterinarian.

Spring Farm Cares is also taking some of the goats for treatment.

Haynes says the owner of the goats was found unable to take care of the animals, and the SQSPCA worked with him to take the goats, and teach him how to safely care for his other animals, including geese, ducks and rabbits.

Haynes stresses the importance of human animal education in cases like this, and says people who are struggling to care for their animals can contact the SQSPCA for assistance finding resources to help.