April 27, 2011

Last year the City of Charlottesville passed a new ordinance allowing homeowners to have up to three, neutered, de-horned miniature goats. Many Charlottesville residents say the goats create a win-win situation for their family.

"We've been getting our milk from a dairy in the Valley and we thought it might be nice to have our own. Plus, we love goat cheese and everyone here is so supportive of it , it's hard not to take advantage of the opportunity," said Laura Covert.

However, before you purchase goats of your own, animal experts say it is important to do research on the animals. Covert found goats tend to be very social creatures.

"I've read a number of books, I've gotten several from Amazon and perused all of those," said Covert. "And Heidi from Dragon Hill Farm, where I got these two goats, has been an enormous resource." Covert said she has not yet decided whether to use the goats a source for milk.

"We're still two years out from milk, but we decided to take it slow and make sure that it was all going to work out well and then we'll decide whether we just want to keep them as pets or have them as milk goats as they get older," said Covert

Covert adds that she is pleased to live in a city that is open to homeowners having animals which can help to provide food and nutrition.

"I think knowing where your food comes from and for me it's really important to know that the animals that are providing me with food are treated really well," said Covert. The Covert family already receives eggs from their ducks, and produce from their garden.

"There's no reason not to have them as pets," said Covert. "They're quieter than dogs and they can be useful."