Goats as lawn mowers? Dolores may give livestock greater leeway with possible changes ahead to town rules.
During Monday’s workshop, the Board of Trustees discussed the idea of altering the current status of Dolores as a “non-livestock town” to one where certain cases could allow farm animals – namely goats – to take on the role of helpful neighbors, or yard appliances.
While discussing the use of goats as grass-munching lawn mowers, trustees weighed both the up and down sides, ultimately agreeing that more research would be needed to alter local regulations.
The trustees’ discussion came after one resident requested bringing goats in to mow his yard. The hoofed animals are commonly used as convenient living lawn mowers.
Beyond lawn-mowing, goats can also serve as a source of fertilizer and milk, Trustees said.
Still, allowing them into town would be “a slippery slope,” said Mayor Chris Holkestad.
Current rules for Dolores effectively say that livestock cannot be kept within 200 feet of other properties. In a small town like Dolores with neighbors just next door, that means keeping livestock isn’t viable.
Poultry get an exception. Homes can have up to six hens, so long as they’re kept in enclosures. Roosters aren’t allowed.
Four-legged, hoofed critters are another story. Allowing goat lawn mowers would require a change in ordinance, said Town Manager Leigh Reeves.
“What happens if that goat gets out and gets hit by a car?” Reeves said.
Other inconveniences mentioned included goats keeping people up at night with their bleats or causing havoc in nearby yards.
How to shelter the goats was another point made. Barns might be needed, some trustees said.
The sounds and smells of farm life also aren’t for everyone.
“I'll be honest, I don't want to smell goats,” said Reeves.
“I don’t want a goat next door to me either,” said Mayor Chris Holkestad.
While Holkestad said that he loves goats, he offered an answer for Dolores residents who want goats: “Move into the county.”
Although concerns were mentioned, trustees also pointed out the benefits.
Trustee Sheila Wheeler said the high cost of food was driving more people to turn toward other alternatives, like bartering among one another with locally sourced food, say, with eggs or goat milk.
“Times are changing,” Wheeler said. “Food shortage is a real issue.”
“If we can become more self-sustaining whereas a community we're helping each other grow food or whatever, I'm all for that.”
Trustees pointed out that they’d need to do some research to learn what a town accepting of goat-assisted yard maintenance might entail.
But to change the rules down the road, ultimately broader public comment would be needed, said Mayor Holkestad.
“This is a town question, not a Board of Trustees question.”
