It’s rare that a goat can be both a savior and a source of fascination but in Dunwoody this spring, both objectives have been accomplished.
Passersby have been fascinated by the city’ newest “contract employees” – a herd of goats tasked with clearing vegetation in 15 designated city-maintained areas.
The goats are a cost-effective, safe, and more environmentally sound alternative to manually clearing out area retention and detention ponds, according to Dale Harris, an operations and maintenance supervisor with Dunwoody’s Public Works Department.
“There can be a lot of hidden rocks and snakes in these areas, which would make clearing them out dangerous,” Harris said. “It’s also so much easier for a goat to access these areas than staff. The terrain situation is irrelevant because they can go anywhere.”
Harris said this is the third season of employment for the Capra aegagrus hircus, hired through Get Your Goats Rentals, an Atlanta-based invasive vegetation control company.
Depending on the area, the goats can clear a congested retention or detention pond in a matter of days. The goats’ last day of employment, Harris said, will be in a few weeks, but they will return for a limited gig in the fall.
Harris said he provides a list of the designated areas to the company, and workers install an internal electric fence (to keep the goats in and predators out), place the goats, and check on them daily to ensure that they are safe and hydrated.
Harris said he has been highly entertained watching the goats in action, along with other Dunwoody residents.
“They actually work together in teams,” he said. “One goat will push a tree over and the other goats will eat the vegetation. Then they take turns bending over the next tree.”
The goat program costs anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 depending on the season. Funds are allocated from the city’s stormwater budget.
For those not interested in a vegetation-clearing project, select members of the herd can be hired for entertainment purposes.
According to the Get Your Goats website, people can order a “Goat Gram,” and the company will deliver the animal to a designated destination for cuddling, visitation, and photo opportunities.
According to the company, the “goat grams” have become popular for national holidays, birthdays, proms or any time someone wants to recognize a person as the “Greatest of All Time.”
“They’ve taken the goat game to a whole new level,” Harris said.
