On September 18, Seattle's city council will vote on a new ordinance that would make it OK for Seattleites to keep goats in the city! While they may seem like strange pets, the truth is that goats can be a very green addition to the family.

"They eat species that would otherwise be a problem, like invasive Himalayan blackberry and Japanese knotweed," says Jennie Grant, a champion of the new legislation who keeps two miniature goats in her yard. "And their droppings are excellent fertilizer in the garden."

Those in favor of locally produced food will be happy to know that a mature female dairy goat can produce about a gallon of milk per day. Milk from healthy goats is safe to drink without any processing or treatment, says Laura Workman, owner of the Glimmercroft herd of miniature dairy goats in Lynnwood.

Finally, goats are good-natured animals, friendly and safe for children and families.

In May, the Department of Planning and Development found out about Grant's goats and ruled that the animals weren't legal. Grant appealed to City Councilman Richard Conlin in the beginning of June to change the zoning regulations, echoing the spirit of other ordinances in recent years that have allowed Seattleites to keep chickens and potbelly pigs.

If approved, the new ordinance will permit female and "wether" (neutered male) miniature goats only, since bucks can be loud and smelly. According to Workman, the miniatures grow to be about the size of a golden retriever, and a pair can live happily in 300-400 square feet of fenced-in yard, with a shelter where they can escape from the wind and rain.

Do the goats have your vote? Speak out by emailing city council members or attending the public hearing, which will take place Sept. 18 at 5:30 at City Hall, Council Chamber, 600 4th Avenue, 2nd floor. 

Want to learn more about city goats? Meet Grant and her goats, Brownie and Snowflake, at the Seattle Tilth Harvest Fair on Saturday, Sept. 8 (and while you're there, stop by A Fresh Squeeze's booth to say hello!). Read more about mini-goat-keeping on the Glimmercroft site.