Lebanese farmers demonstrate in front of UNIFIL office in Kfar Shuba village over Israeli abduction of goats, Feb. 11. Photo: The Daily Star

BEIRUT — Israeli forces returned 134 goats to Lebanese farmers. The animals were in “bad condition,” and Israeli authorities are still holding another 91, the state-run National News Agency reported.

An Israeli army patrol had crossed into Lebanon Wednesday and took the herd of goats belonging to

The NNA said that residents of the villages of Halta, Kfar Shuba and the Shebaa farms set tires ablaze outside a UNIFIL office in Kfar Shuba, demanding the remaining goats seized by the Israeli forces be released.

The report said that the protesters were also angered that the goats which were returned were in “bad condition.” It was unclear if that meant they were harmed.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told the Daily Star peacekeepers are “working in close coordination with all parties, including the Lebanese army, to facilitate the return of the goats and avoid an escalation of the situation on the border.”

Lebanese lawmaker Qassem Hashem said Wednesday that contacts were underway with the Lebanese Army and other states to “hasten the release of the goats.”

Israeli forces have in the past abducted hundreds of goats from southern Lebanon, with a similar incident being reported as recently as September 2015.