If you want a free “goat”, go to this Italian island!
An estimated 600 goats are wreaking havoc on the two-square-mile Alicudi island.
An overpopulation of goats on the small island of Alicudi off the northern coast of Italy's Sicily has prompted local authorities to give away the goats to anyone who can catch them. This island is small and has an area of ​​about two square miles and a population of about 100 people.
The goat problem dates back to about 20 years ago, when a farmer abandoned some animals on the island. Normally, at any given time, around 100 goats roam Alicudi, but this year their population has increased dramatically.
“Six hundred goats have been counted,” says the mayor of Alicudi, Ricardo Guello. “This island is really small and cannot accommodate so many goats.”
The goats have become a nuisance to the local community. They once had a life of their own on the steep cliffs of the island, but have begun to roam people's yards and gardens and sometimes even homes.
“We absolutely do not want to even think about killing them, so we thought about giving them away. “Anyone can apply for a goat, they don't have to be a farmer and there is no limit on the number of goats they can apply for.”
“Giving goats to anyone who can tame them is a nicer and more humane way to control their population.”
Anyone can apply through the adopt-a-goat program, as long as they can catch the goats and have access to a boat to transport them.
Interested parties must submit their formal application by April 10 (although this deadline will likely be extended until the majority of the goats are taken) and pay a €16 (about $17) stamp fee. Once approved, they have 15 days to trap and remove the goats.
Authorities have received formal requests from dozens of people. These requests are from Tuscany in central Italy and Lombardy in northern Italy. A farmer from Vulcano, a nearby island, has expressed interest in taking goats for his cheese-making operation.
Some goats are kept on the island for tourism, as these charismatic creatures make good photography subjects for visitors. Alicodi, about two or three hours by boat from mainland Sicily, has no hotels, but its rustic charm still appeals to some travelers. Visitors have to walk or use donkeys and mules to explore this island.
