posted August 23, 2005
City Public Works Administrator Steve Leach said he wants to use goats to try to eliminate some of the rampaging kudzu on city hillsides.
Mr. Leach said, "I ran the idea through my staff to see if they thought I was crazy. But I think it's a great idea."
He said when kudzu is sprayed, the kudzu grows back the next year.
Mr. Leach said, "I've been told that the goats eat it down to the roots and it dies."
He said the goats could be especially effective on steep sites like above several local tunnels. He said the Brainerd Tunnel was once nicely landscaped, but kudzu has crept over the plantings.
Mr. Leach said the goats would be hemmed in within low-voltage electric fences.
He said the city would contract with a firm that specializes in goat grazing.
He said he would like to get started on devouring the kudzu before the growing season is over this year.
On the topic of animals, City Council members again on Tuesday discussed possible new ordinances dealing with farm animals within the city.
Council members concluded there are no restrictions on the books dealing with chickens.
Councilwoman Marti Rutherford asked, "Don't chickens stink?"
But Councilman Leamon Pierce said, "I'm not against the chickens. I enjoy my breakfast at Krystal too much."
One woman told the council that roosters next door wake her up as early as 4 in the morning. She said the neighbors who keep them and other animals barely speak English.
Councilman Jack Benson said having animals next door devalues property. He said, "It's like stealing really."
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