by Betsy Bramlett
posted October 18, 2006
Two "kudzu eating" goats are dead and one seriously injured after neighborhood dogs allegedly dug under an electric fence and attacked them Tuesday on Missionary Ridge.
The goats are part of an experimental project to rid the invasive vine from the city of Chattanooga. They are being rented by the public works department from Maurice Beavers of Lakesite.
Earlier, one goat died, and foul play was suspected, but it was determined that the goat died of natural causes. Nevertheless, Mr. Beavers decided to bring in two "guardian" donkeys for extra protection. Donkeys are known to form a kinship with goats and fight off predators.
"Unfortunately, mine are more trained for coyotes than dogs," Mr. Beavers said. "I'm going to bring up some dogs to protect them."
He was referring to Giant Pyrenees dogs that are better suited to the task, but that won't be necessary now.
Mr. Beavers has already removed approximately 25 goats from the site above the McCallie Tunnel "because they've done their job" and only a few goats and donkeys remain.
"I was informed by Lee Norris of the Public Works Department that even though the contract ends Nov. 1 that he wants the goats and donkeys out this weekend, so he can start reseeding grass on Monday," he said. "Guess we did our job."
Jerry Jeansonne, self-proclaimed "official goat dude" for the public works department, confirmed the plan.
As for the attack on the goats, he said he received a call between 12-1 p.m. and drove to the entry way on Oak Place to find that Animal Services had three dogs in custody. According to Mr. Jeansonne, a witness had called 311 upon seeing the attacks. Animal services responded and found the dogs inside the electric fence, trying to get out.
According to Mr. Beavers, two of the goats were already dead with their throats cut. The third goat had been taken to the Warner Park Zoo, but he took her to a veterinarian who clamped her throat together. She may survive, he said.
Mr. Beavers says he still has a contract with the city to bring goats back in the spring to expand the project, and he won't be deterred by the killings of his herd.
"I know the owners of these dogs are really apologetic. People just need to keep their animals under control," he said. "All my goats wanted to do was eat kudzu. They weren't bothering anybody but did a lot of good for everybody."
Bruce Adams and Judith DeWitt, owners of the dogs that allegedly dug their way under a fence and attacked the goats, have been cited to City Court for having potentially dangerous dogs.
Neighbors said the goats "did a number" on the kudzu. They ran out of the leafy vine, and Mr. Beavers had to bring up hay for them to eat.
The site also became a tourist attraction as many people stopped along South Crest Road to gawk at the goats and guardian donkeys.
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