NEED TO KNOW

• Last November, a pet goat named Smokey escaped his yard in Detroit, roaming the streets and startling neighbors, with video of the incident going viral

• Smokey’s owner, Robert “Dr. Bob” Pizzimenti, keeps a small herd of goats and says they are gentle animals that can positively contribute to urban life

• Last week, Detroit Animal Care and Control seized Smokey and two other goats after neighbor complaints, with officials coordinating with local rescue farms

Last November, a runaway goat transformed a quiet day in a west-side Detroit neighborhood into a scene straight out of a comedy sketch.

Residents watched in disbelief as the animal — later identified as Smokey — leapt his fence and trotted confidently down the block, turning lawns and sidewalks into his personal runway. At one point, a startled neighbor even scrambled onto the roof of his car to avoid the unexpected visitor.

The chaotic encounter, captured on doorbell and cellphone video, quickly made the rounds online, drawing laughs, shock and plenty of commentary from locals who couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

But Smokey wasn’t a stray wandering the streets.

The goat belongs to Robert “Dr. Bob” Pizzimenti, who keeps a small herd at his property near the Psychedelic Healing Shack, an unconventional café and community gathering space in the area. Pizzimenti has long advocated that goats like Smokey — along with two others named Perfect and Angel — are gentle animals that can positively contribute to urban life, offering companionship and even a therapeutic presence.

Still, that argument wasn’t enough to outweigh city ordinances.

According to FOX 2 Detroit, Detroit Animal Care and Control arrived at Pizzimenti’s home last week with a warrant after neighbors complained about the goats and their previous escapes.

“Would you guys let me do it for you instead of scaring them?” Pizzimenti is heard saying on camera as animal control officers attempt to remove the animals.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“There were no ifs, ands or buts, they were coming to get them,” he told the outlet about the city taking his animals. When asked if he knew where the goats were being taken, Pizzimenti said officials would not tell him.

However, the outlet reported that an Animal Control spokesperson said the department was in contact with several rescue farms in the area regarding placement for the goats.

Read the original article on People