Town gives herd of goats the freedom to graze on people’s gardens and hedges

Goats will be allowed to devour hedges, munch on flowers and run wild in a Welsh town – much to the frustration of green-fingered locals.

Residents in Llandudno, north Wales, wanted a clampdown on the infamous herd, and called for fences, enforced contraception and even shooting to control them.

But Conwy Council ruled they were not its responsibility as they roam free and landowners are in charge of their gardens.

The council said: ‘The goats of Llandudno have roamed in a wild state for over 100 years and were originally a gift to Lord Mostyn from Queen Victoria.

‘The goats have reverted to a wild state and are therefore now regarded as wild animals.

‘No one person or organisation is legally responsible for the goat populations of Llandudno, and they may only become someone’s property if they are “confined”.

‘As the goats are feral animals, it is therefore not the council’s legal responsibility to keep the goats on the Great Orme by way of fencing or “containment.”

‘If damage is being caused to adjoining properties, the onus is therefore on those property owners to keep the goats out. A landowner has a legal entitlement to act on behalf of an animal’s welfare if a wild animal is in distress whilst on their land.’

The goats come from the Great Orme headland and wander down the streets into the town.

Safety concerns have been raised in the past after they were hit by cars and suffered injuries.

A local said: ‘Although it is lovely to see them, there is concern about their safety crossing roads etc.

‘Great Orme security does need to improve.’

Meanwhile, Neath Port Talbot has been overrun by feral sheep who have marched onto the streets and formed a small army against locals.

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