Pro-Goat Argument 7 through 17!

I copied a section of an amendment made to the Seattle, WA municipal code that was added to legalize miniature dairy goats. Some of the Pro-Goat Arguments that I have already mentioned are repeated here, but it's great to see how they are presented in a legally binding document.

"AN ORDINANCE relating to land use and zoning and the keeping of small

animals, amending Sections 23.42.052, 9.25.022, 9.25.030, 9.25.050,

9.25.052, 9.25.080, 9.25.084, 9.25.100; and 9.26.020 to allow the

keeping of miniature goats and providing for the licensing and

licensing fees therefore.

WHEREAS, goats, along with dogs are the earliest animals domesticated

by humans, roughly 10,000 years ago; and

WHEREAS, numerous cultures worldwide keep goats and more people

worldwide drink goat milk than any other animal's; and

WHEREAS, many immigrants from all over the world are familiar with

keeping goats; and

WHEREAS, miniature goats are considered excellent pets due to their

good-natured personalities, friendliness, faithfulness, and hardy

constitution; and

WHEREAS, miniature goats are no bigger than a number of species of

large domestic dogs; miniature goats average around 24" tall and 50-

100 pounds, compared to some large dogs that average around 30" tall

and can weigh up to 200 pounds; and

WHEREAS, miniature goats can be a sound way to provide milk and

cheese to families if the milk is properly pasteurized prior to

consumption or cheese production; and

WHEREAS, there are numerous benefits for urban sustainability that

goats provide including that their manure is an excellent source of

garden compost provided it is properly composted to reach

temperatures that will destroy potentially harmful pathogens, their

hair is a renewable source of fiber, and goats can provide an

alternative to lawn mowers; and

WHEREAS, goats are valuable for controlling noxious weeds and

clearing brush and undergrowth; and

WHEREAS, serious illnesses in people due to infections from goats are

rare and disease risk can be reduced through proper sanitation and

good husbandry; and

WHEREAS, female and neutered male goats do not generate significant

odors, and

WHEREAS, municipalities including Portland, Oregon and Everett,

Washington have codes that permit miniature goats to be kept..."