The goats being used to control invasive buckthorn along the Iola Riverwalk were removed on the evening of Friday, Aug. 21, following an incident involving an individual near their enclosure, according to Iola Village President Jennifer Schustek.
“The individual was observed reaching over the fence, attempting to breach the enclosure and trying to remove one of the goats,” Schustek indicated. “Due to concerns for the animals’ safety, the owner, Sustainable Stewards Farmstead & Goat Grazing, made the decision to remove the goats from the area.”
The Iola Police Department and Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office were contacted. Officers contacted the individual and notified him that he is prohibited from returning to the property. Both law enforcement agencies continue to look into the incident. No additional information is available currently.
“The Village of Iola appreciates the work of Sustainable Stewards and the community’s interest in this environmentally responsible buckthorn-control project,” Schustek noted. “Unfortunately, the goats’ removal was necessary to protect their safety and well-being.”
Residents and visitors are reminded not to enter animal enclosures, interfere with fencing, feed the animals or attempt to touch or remove them.