The Greeley Tribune reports the red-colored Boer (pronounced BOHR) goat was reported missing Monday, hours before it was scheduled to appear at the Weld County fair’s junior livestock auction. Two of the animal’s halters also were gone.

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David Smith, from Niwot, Colorado, walks his goat back to the pen after claiming the grand champion title at the Weld County Fair on July 23, 2014, in Greeley, Colo. The Associated Press

The goat is owned by 18-year-old David Smith of Niwot.

Smith’s father says he doesn’t want to insinuate that someone stole the goat. He says it’s possible the goat escaped and is just out in a cornfield somewhere.

Despite the goat’s absence, the auction went ahead, and the prize-winning animal sold for $5,500 to MS Biotec.

Police say they don’t have any leads.