Des Moines' got goat regret

Des Moines is clicking its cleats for rejecting goats as city staffers, Councilperson Carl Voss told Axios.

The Clive Greenbelt Goats have become local celebrities, while simultaneously helping manage invasive plants without herbicides.

• "If Clive can do it, why can't we?" Voss asked.

Flashback: DSM nixed the idea several years ago. Farm animals are generally prohibited from taking residence in DSM.

• The city tends to live under the same rules, Parks director Ben Page told Axios.

🐐 State of play: Clive's goat experience has been bucking great.

• In four years, the herd has quadrupled in size and volunteers help out with some of the work, said Richard Brown, director of Clive's leisure services.
• Now, metro residents who spot the goats around town try to get selfies. And even swag for the animals has become popular.

What's next: Voss will advocate for goats as next year's budget talks pick up.