Goats tied out in the sun

[cowgirlup@idaho]

I called the sheriff dept yesterday to report and complain that 2 goats have been tied in the direct sun w/o shade since June! This week we are having mid to high 90 degree weather and I just coudn't stand to see them anymore :(

A little background; these goats are on the road to my barn so I pass them at least 2xs a day. This is the 3rd year of seeing them tied out in various places. They aren't fed hay, they are strategically placed to eat weeds, mainly Star Thistle and Canadian Thistle. They have a water trough (that can't be viewed for content from the road) and that's it. They were tied in shaded areas in the spring and moved around every 1-2 wks when the temps were tolerable (70's) but since June they have been tied on a south facing slope that is exposed to sun when it rises until it sets :mad: They haven't been moved, they stretch to reach forage outside of their well eaten radius and I have never seen anyone out there.

I called and made the report yesterday at noon, when I returned to the barn to feed at 4pm they were still there. I noticed a new shiny galvanized bushel size wash tub. Maybe the sheriff deputy can only make them provide more water? I may call again. I may just complain until the sheriff tells me to quit calling. I can't imagine what it must be like to lay out there without any reprieve from that direct heat :nono:

[WashingtonBay]

Poor little goats... especially if they've eaten everything in their radius too.

I will say that I think goats are very heat tolerant as long as they have plenty to drink... ours seem to like laying in the sun, on the rock driveway, where it's hottest, at times when I think it's hot here. They do come from and thrive in desert climates, think Africa and the Middle East. So hopefully they're OK, and will be moved to greener pastures soon.

[cowgirlup@idaho]

I hope you are right WB, I just came back from the barn and they haven't been moved, just each has their own water now. The white one was trying to get a good grip in a dried up Canadian Thistle, I mean yellow crispy dried :mad: Goats must be tough :(

[WashingtonBay]

If their purpose is weed control, I'd wonder why the guy hasn't moved them.

[cowgirlup@idaho]

Good question :mad: Last year a 3 sided shelter was put out. nothing this year. There's an un-cared for fruit orchard not even 50 yards from where they are tied. You'd think they could get permission to tie in there to eat down weeds and grass that is abundantly growing, probably due to shade since it isn't irrigated.

They are LaMancha goats, they have no ears :p

[Remali]

I would call the Sheriff's dept. again, or the local humane association..... aren't they supposed to provide shelter for animals? They are here....but then each state is different I imagine. Poor things.... I would like to tie those people who own them out in the sun......

[cheval]

Around here, as long as critters have access to food and water, shelter doesn't come much into play.

[cowgirlup@idaho]

If these were dogs they would have to provide shelter/shade. I guess goats are livestock and the rules are different.

[Remali]

Oh geez..... that's sad. I hope they are OK.....

[shewasmyshadow]

Find out who owns them and offer to buy them. At least then you could rehome them.

[katiemare]

The owner obviously doesn't care that much about them, especially if he is only using them for weed control. You should keep calling the sheriff dept. or the owner and tell them you would take them. I would worry about disease (http://www.chacha.com/topic/disease) being in stagnant water for them. You might get some good milking goats or at least some good friends. That is just so sad.

[AppyLady]

As long as they have food and water, I wouldn't worry too much about them being out in the sun. That's normal for all livestock around here. There are herds of goats (cattle, sheep, horses, etc.) out on pasture, and none of them have shade. However, it does sound like the goats need to be moved to an area with more weeds, or else the owner needs to start feeding them.

[cheval]

The owner obviously doesn't care that much about them, especially if he is only using them for weed control. You should keep calling the sheriff dept. or the owner and tell them you would take them. You might get some good milking goats or at least some good friends. That is just so sad.

Goats are often used for weed control. Even by government agencies.

[FredRock]

What AppyLady said.

The big issues the Sheriff department would have is whether there is proper food and water available. They either felt the water wasn't up to par, or advised the man to make the trough more visible to the public. (you might not be the only caller). But they should be fine in the sun as long as water and food is available. Food would be another issue, he should probably move them or start feeding.

[Remali]

At least if they weren't tied up, they could move around to graze.....