British army demotes mascot goat, Billy

[banana republican]

LONDON - A British army regiment's ceremonial pet goat was demoted in disgrace after it marched out of line before a host of dignitaries during a parade to mark
Queen Elizabeth II's birthday, a military spokesman said Saturday.

The military mascot, a 6-year-old male goat called Billy, was downgraded from the rank of lance corporal to fusilier — the same status as a private — after army chiefs ruled his poor display had ruined the ceremony earlier this month at a British army base in Episkopi, western Cyprus.

Lance Cpl. Dai Davies, 22, the goat's handler, was unable to keep control during the June 16 march. The mascot darted from side to side, throwing soldiers off their stride, Capt. Crispian Coates, a spokesman, said by telephone from the base in Cyprus.

"The goat, which has been the regiment's mascot since 2001, was supposed to be leading the march, but would not stay in line," Coates said. "After consideration, the commanding officer decided he had no option but to demote Billy."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060625/ap_on_fe_st/britain_goat_demoted

The Troupes are getting a little restless

[xchrom]

1. that is so cute.

and a goat for a mascot -- who'd a thunk?

[MADem]

2. Wonder how quick they'll promote the LCPL handler of said goat???

Bet he gets a bad eval out that imbroglio...next time, sedate the goat, kid!