Dwarf goats will join chickens, bees and turkeys as animals Arvada residents can keep in their backyards after a 7-0 vote during Monday night’s City Council meeting.
For companionship reasons, residents will have to keep two miniature goats at once, keep them in backyards with a predator-resistant shelter 15 feet from the property line, and males will have to be neutered.
A miniature goat is defined by Arvada as no taller than 24 ½ inches at the shoulder blades and includes the Nigerian dwarf and African pygmy breeds.
Unlike other cities where citizens implored council with hours of public comment on both sides of the issue, only one resident spoke Monday evening.
“They’re great — they not only bring joy, companionship and entertainment as dogs, cats and other animals can, they give back by providing environmentally friendly and sustainable options … like keeping your yard grazed, goat cheese, soaps and lotions,” said resident Sharon Shaheen.
Animal control representatives said they had no concerns with dwarf goats, and Jessica Prosser, the city sustainability coordinator, said the goats are beneficial for grazing and 4-H youth projects.
“Allowing for miniature goats is the next step in enhancing the city’s Sustain Arvada program, which encourages agricultural activities such as the keeping of chickens, turkeys and bees under certain conditions,” Prosser said.
Austin Briggs: 303-954-1729, abriggs@denverpost.com or twitter.com/abriggs
