Ingham County Considering Dairy Goat Ordinance

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Ingham County officials are considering whether to allow people who live in urban areas to keep dairy goats.

The Lansing State Journal reports a draft ordinance would allow up to three miniature dairy goats on one- or two-family residential properties, provided there is adequate land and shelter space for each goat.

The issue was a topic of discussion at a meeting of the county Animal Control Shelter Advisory Committee on Monday night.

The ordinance has at least some support on the panel that advises the Board of Commissioners on animal control issues. But animal control officials are concerned about the extra workload urban goats might bring to their already stressed department.

County Commissioner Todd Tennis said he hopes to bring a firm ordinance proposal to the board in March.

The urban goats idea was proposed more than a year ago by a Michigan State University graduate student, Tennis said. Several large U.S. cities, including Denver and Seattle, allow goats in urban areas, he and other supporters said.

Some are suggesting the county set a license fee high enough to ensure that only people who are serious about having goats will ask to keep them.

A resident speaking out at Monday's meeting said goats make great pets and are very friendly, suggesting they are a safer choice than dogs.

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