Since urban chicken keeping has caught on in Charlottesville, it seems a natural evolution that goats should be next. The only problem is that these ruminants have been banned by the city since 1976. But according to Meghan Keith-Hynes, founder of the Charlottesville Goat Justice League (CGJL), the code needs to be updated. “Goats eat invasive plant species, require very little land, and provide highly nutritious milk,” says Keith-Hynes, who plans to present the case for goats at the July 19 council meeting, armed with a letter from a Seattle official, who attests to the success of that city’s pro-goat ordinance.

     Backed by a petition with upwards of 300 signatures (as of press time), the more than 30 members of the CGJL are asking the city council to allow residents to keep a maximum of three goats—they must be miniature (less than 100 pounds), dehorned, and neutered if they are male. 

     “It’s a very moderate stance,” says councilor Kristin Szakos. “These are the types of goats least likely to bother neighbors. And if a co-op forms around shares of milk, it builds community.” 

     Read more about the effort to legalize goats in the city of Charlottesville at charlottesvillegoats.blogspot.com. —Michelle Rehme