Goats being evicted from City property
A herd of goats brought in to clean up brush on City-owned industrial land is now being removed for being contrary to the City’s animal control ordinance.
Newton City Code prohibits the harboring of livestock such as goats. City maintenance staff thought of the goats as a short-term contracted service rather than long-term residents, but City legal staff have advised that is not an exception to code.
Staff have been directed to work with the grazing company to remove the goats as soon as possible. They originally were expected to remain through the end of April.
The purpose of the goat grazing was to clear brush and saplings from the undeveloped property. City staff have burned the area every couple of years but hoped the goats would be more effective in keeping down saplings and be a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
“We tried this with the best intentions on a property in a non-residential setting,” said City Manager Daniela Rivas. “We wanted to get the job done in a better way and save some taxpayer dollars. We’re so sorry we put the cart before the goat.”
In the future, the City may look at adding a provision to the animal control ordinance allowing for grazing on certain types of property for vegetation management.
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