Thirteen goats from a herd which became part of the legislature’s budget discussions are being auctioned off.
The 74-member herd was seized in January from a Cornwall farm and cheese-making operation and the owner charged with animal cruelty. Most of the animals were malnourished and had a variety of health problems.
The herd seized from Butterfield Farm continued to grow while in state care -- with 23 kids born in the spring -- and in April, some members of the budget committee complained that caring for the livestock was contributing to the Agriculture Department’s budget deficit. They suggested the animals be euthanized.
Since then 48 of the goats have been sold at livestock auction, 12 others placed with a rescue sanctuary, and the kids are being offered to 4-H and Future Farmers of America Youth Groups.
Now the department is selling the remaining goats to the public in a sealed-bid auction. Pictures of the goats and a questionnaire for bidders are on the Agriculture Department’s website. The deadline for bids is August 10.
