Gardai in Kilkenny and Donegal were sent on a wild chase on Thursday after eight horses and a goat escaped their fields.
The incidents, which took place yesterday, were not connected.
The alarm was raised in Kilkenny on the Garda Síochána Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow Facebook page last night as members of the force accompanied the loose equines near a road in Kilkenny.
The post said: “Gardai in Kilkenny are currently 'looking after' 8 equines near the Callan Road in Kilkenny.”
An update at 10:50pm said that the owner came forward.
It was then revealed that an unknown person had opened the horse’s gate, causing them to wander out.
The post said: “It appears some person (unknown) out for a stroll may have left a gate open.”
Gardai said the owner was “very distressed” after coming forward to collect their animals.
“There was never a suggestion that these weren't cared for animals but that the field gate was left open,” they said.
“The real message from this evening is one that has been said before. ‘If you're on someone's land and open a gate, close it after you to protect the animals and indeed road users'.
“Thank you for the assistance.”
“Anyway all's well that ends well,” the post said.
Meanwhile in Donegal, gardai received a call to say a goat was running loose in Cranford.
A post on the Garda Síochána Donegal Facebook page said: “Milford Gardaí thought a caller was kidding about today when they called to report that a goat that was running loose on the road at Woodquarter, Cranford.
“Goats are known to be agile and they have the ability to climb and balance in precarious places and this one is no different!
“He certainly gave Gardaí a run for their money but he was rounded up and is now being well looked after at the ISPCA Donegal Animal Rehabilitation Centre.
“Not a baaaad outcome at all!”
The goat remains in the custody of the ISPCA and has yet to be returned to their owner.
“To claim ownership, please give Milford Garda Station a 'bleat' on 074-9153060,” the gardai said.
