What's going on, Albuquerque?

What about changing the laws to allow more goats in the city? Done in Seattle through goat justice league.

I think 2 or maybe even up to 7 little goats in a large albuquerque backyard makes sense for those who are interested. Being vegans, their poop is fantastic fertilizer and odor free. They eat banana peels and any left over non-meat or dairy items, plus twigs, leaves and grass so no wasteful landfill/trash issues. Nigora, Pygmy, and Nigerian plus many mini-size goats are smaller than an Australian Shepard dog, but even the large size goats aren't much different than somebody who wants a Great Dane, poodle, or other large dog. Also, most goats are much quieter, gentler and kid friendly than most dogs. Plus they learn to walk on a leash in 1 -2 days. And greet their humans like a happy dog does. They are also often used as therapy animals for children.

Here is the industry standard for goats "A mature goat will require 20 square feet of space inside the barn, (free from obstructions), and another 25 square feet of space per goat should be provided in an adjacent exercise yard in addition to the space that is occupied by water and feeding troughs; calculate clear space only." Albuquerque's current regulations require 4000 sq feet, which is quite excessive.

Thoughts? Interest?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by SteveJ on January 5, 2013 at 5:00pm

You are lucky, many cities (in New Mexico) do not allow any goats!

Permalink Reply by amecus j on January 5, 2013 at 11:25pm

do you mean Rio Rancho? where else?

Permalink Reply by SteveJ on January 6, 2013 at 9:07am

Las Cruces! We can't have chickens or goats in the city limits.

Permalink Reply by amecus j on January 6, 2013 at 10:19am

WOW, just looked up some Las Cruces ordinances. NOW THAT is amazingly weird! I wonder if it is the proximity to Mexico that people are skittish about? I read a few pages of comments against and found a boat load of completely incorrect information combined with statements about people not knowing how to care for dogs or children therefore chickens would be dangerous to have around. (interestingly no one argued that the irresponsible person shouldn't be allowed to have dogs, chickens or children)

NM's agricultural offices are based out of NMSU, which is in Las Cruces. I wonder if memories of bad industrial practices have an effect here. No one wants a whole chicken farm, just like no one wants a puppy mill, animal pound, or overcrowded zoo in their neighbors yard. I wonder if that's a fear too, like it would get out of hand really quickly... Just theoretical speculation.

Permalink Reply by SteveJ on January 6, 2013 at 11:00am

I think your second paragraph is more accurate than the first. Its as if Las Cruces city proper wanted to have a separation from agriculture---while the surrounding areas were full of agriculture activities. People could "escape chickens" in the city? That is my only guess. Its ridiculous though. I have two cats living in my chicken coop. :)

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