City considers allowing goats

Is Grand Coulee goat friendly? We may find out.

Officials in Grand Coulee may have to look at their animal ordinance and add goats.

Councilmember Tammara Byers told her colleagues that she had been approached several times by people who would like to have one of those pet pygmy goats.

Actually, goat people say that you need to have two since goats are herd animals and need the company.

The little goats, pets in many cities, are playful, can also be destructive and at times can be very loud, according to information on pet goats on the internet.

A couple of years ago, Electric City added chickens to its animal ordinance, allowing six, all hens. There’s no rooster crowing in Electric City. After lengthy discussions, the council approved the plan. To date, there are only a couple of residents who have added chickens. No negative results, according to officials.

Goats could be another matter.

They carry a stigma, and are forbidden by Grand Coulee’s present animal ordinance.

It has been only in later years that pygmy goats have become household pets. Local interest could drive a change in the city’s ordinance.

Mayor Paul Townsend said last week that animals with “cloven hoofs” are not allowed in the city.

While the ordinance doesn’t specifically state “cloven hoofs,” it does in a way by listing the animals not now allowed.

“It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, officer or agent thereof to harbor or to keep livestock: horses, cattle, swine, mules, goats or sheep within the city limits,” according to the ordinance.

If the ordinance is changed to allow pet goats, interested parties should remember that they like room to roam.

Electric City City Clerk Russell Powers has two goats, and has for about eight years. He lives on a two-acre tract in the small farm belt in the city where they are allowed.

“The goats are docile and make good pets,” Powers stated. He has them fenced in about a half-acre area, allowing plenty of room to roam.

When Byers brought the subject of goats up, other Grand Coulee council members listened, showing neither enthusiasm nor contempt for the idea.