Please do not donate money. We are not asking for money nor do we get any of it. Change.org takes the money. I am writing this petition on behalf of my parents, who are now being forced to part ways with their beloved goats. For seven years, these animals have been a part of our family, bringing immeasurable joy. My parents face the bitter prospect of being fined up to $500 or jailed up to 90 days should they fail to relocate their goats within 10 days according to a sudden, arbitrary enforcement of an ordinance. 

Not a single complaint has been lodged against these peaceful animals. The enforcement of the ‘no livestock ordinance’ started when an Coloma officer, with whom my mother had previously disagreed, directed the ordinance officer to our property where we also keep chickens, alongside goats. Devastation doesn't quite capture our emotions right now as we pride ourselves on our beautiful property and cherished animals.

Goats do more than just adorn properties; they serve as sustainable ecological partners. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), goats can easily adapt to various environments and are known to minimize the risk of wildfires by consuming overgrown plants and weeds, a practice known as 'prescriptive grazing'.

It's time to re-evaluate and update the housing and living regulations surrounding goats within our (Coloma) township. It's time to allow goats in homes that are zoned residential, maintaining the diversity and balance of suburban ecosystems. By signing this petition, we can get closer to challenging and changing the 'No Livestock' ordinance and ensuring people like my parents can continue to provide loving homes for goats. Please sign and help us make the difference.

Update: We were told by Kevin Kutcher zoning commissioner you have to go to Berrien county and Coloma township it’s $500 per meeting and it takes several meetings and it’s $1000 to start process.  He said quote “you can try but it’s not feasible to make changes.”