Richmond Police Department

Richmond Turns to Goats to Deter Dumping

One Bay Area city is turning to cute, weed-eating goats to deter people from dumping trash in raggedy lots.

The Contra Costa Times reported Saturday that Richmond officials hope to use the goats to educate trash-dumpers in a city where dumping is a huge problem. The newspaper reported that crews collect about 4,000 lbs. of garbage each month from blighted lots often overgrown with weeds.

The people behind the project hope the presence of goats will have a calming and cuddly effect on neighborhoods where dumping runs rampant.

In recent months, the Richmond Police Department has mounted cameras on utility poles in the hopes of catching illegal dumpers who leave behind mattresses, couches and other debris, creating a major eyesore for residents. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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