Herds of feral goats have been spotted up on Scenic Hill despite an ongoing council crusade to cull their numbers.
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Griffith City Council sustainable development director Phil Harding said the council was handling the goat situation.
"A small number of goats have been reported at Scenic Hill in recent times," Mr Harding said.
"Council officers are currently investigating this matter."
The gravity defying animals were seen climbing the cliffs near Hermit's Cave, much to the amusement of tourists and annoyance of local gardeners.
For years the horned creatures have been roaming the streets and munching on garden shrubbery, leading to a number of complaints to the council.
It is believed that the goats wander into town during dry spells in search of water.
The horned creatures are also a non-native species which damage the native flora and fauna, which necessitated a major cull of about 30 goats back in 2015.
Musterers used horses, dogs, and light vehicles to round up the rogue goats and send them to an abattoir.
A further round of culling in 2017 have put another dent in their numbers, but a herd of about a dozen goats and their kids can still be found enjoying the view near Scenic Hill.
Council have said they are keeping a close eye on the goat population, and that if the numbers start becoming unwieldy another round of culling may be in order.
Not everyone is happy with the idea of a cull, including Griffith resident Christine Leaver who has stood up for the bearded critters.
“I thought they were very lovely,” Mrs Leaver said.
“They would sit out on the lookout enjoying the sun, and they became quite the tourist attraction.”
Mrs Leaver said she used to drive past the goats on Scenic Hill on her way into town, which always put a smile on her face.
“They’re not hurting anybody physically, and I find the idea of slaughtering them to be abhorrent,” she said.
“I think they are very nice animals, and I think they should be allowed to exist.”
Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
