ERIN MCDANIEL
City of Newton
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. The original story is below...
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NEWTON, Kan. — About 190 yearling goats have been released on City-owned industrial land to help clean up saplings and brush.
The goats, from Restoration Grazing LLC in Beaumont, are grazing about 24 acres of land between Southeast Ninth and Southeast 12th Streets in the Kansas Logistics Park. The land is currently optioned by K&O Railroad.
City Parks staff have burned the area every couple of years to control the growth but hope the goats may be more effective in keeping down saplings. The goats are a more eco-friendly option than using heavy equipment and may also be more cost-effective.
The City is paying Restoration Grazing $2,000 to use the goats through the end of April. It’s a pilot program that could be used on other City property if it’s found to be effective.
A portable electric fence has been placed to keep the goats in and predators out. Residents are welcome to come out to see the goats but shouldn’t try to enter the area or pet them.
Restoration Grazing has previously done several goat grazing projects with the City of Wichita.
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