posted October 8, 2007
The goats munching kudzu on the side of Missionary Ridge are there for removal of the invasive vine, not for a petting zoo, Lee Norris, deputy city public works administrator, said.
Mr. Norris said on Monday morning a youngster who stopped along with his mother to watch the goats got against the electric fence that is being used to keep the goats in. The child was "nipped" by an electric shock, but not injured, he said.
Mr. Norris said, "The goats are back hard at work removing kudzu from the east side of Missionary Ridge near the McCallie Tunnels. To ensure the safety of our 'workers' while removing the kudzu, we ask that visitors follow a simple set of rules.
"The working goats are protected by Goliath, a Great Pyrenees dog. Goliath was raised with these goats and can be very protective. Please do not attempt to enter the area where the goats are working.
"As an added security measure, the browsing area is enclosed by an energized fence. Grabbing, touching or attempting to move the fence will result in an intense electrical shock. This electrification is necessary to prevent dogs and other animals from entering the browsing area. The fence is clearly marked as electric fence every 50’ around the perimeter.
"The goats have demonstrated they are masters in the art of kudzu removal. Please leave them alone and watch the kudzu disappear."
The city is contracting with a goat firm for the browsing service.
Security for the goats was beefed up after dogs got in and killed several goats from a different crew recently.
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