First Chickens, Now Goats? Group Wants To Expand Sacramento's Backyard Animal Rules

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Four years after Sacramento approved an ordinance allowing backyard chickens, residents want the same thing for miniature goats.

The group behind the plan has laid out their proposal in front of the Sacramento City Council and says the goats are in line with the city's sustainability initiatives.

"I've been drinking goat milk for some time now that I found out many cities across the nation have allowed miniature goats to be kept as pets provided one with an opportunity to have fresh, local dairy right at my fingertips," said Susan Purdy.

Just about a month ago, she went in front of the City Council with with her Go For The Goat initiative to get the little guys approved pets in the city.

"I want to keep miniature goats really important for my daughter to understand where her food comes from," she said.

Sacramento wouldn't be the only city to try the idea. San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Oakland and Berkeley are a few cities where the miniature goats are classified as small animals.

"With Sacramento being the farm-to-fork capital of the nation, it fits right in with the Sacramento sustainability initiative," she said.

But what does it really take to own a goal.

"Unless you've had experience with livestock, it's a different world," said Laura Crees.

She and her family live on a beautiful farm in Davis where they raise Nigerian dwarf goats who they say are generally quiet and calm and can be very functional.

"They help us clean weeds, fertilize it," she said. "We compost the waste and use it as a way to fertilize our trees."

Seattle, which approved goats in 2007, uses the same regulatory rules as cats and dogs—all owners must have a license, male goats must be neutered and dehorned. Fees start at $30 a year.

While that may be awhile, Purdy remains hopeful that the city will listen.

"I think they'll do better than some of the other cities that have passed this ordinance," she said.

Goats are herd animals, so in order for them to be truly happy—and to keep them from making noise—you'll have to actually own two.