The mayor of an Italian island is attempting to solve an animal overpopulation problem with an unusual offer: free goats for anyone who can catch them.

Riccardo Gullo, the mayor of Alicudi, in Sicily’s Aeolian archipelago, introduced an “adopt-a-goat” program when the small island’s wild goat population grew to six times the human population of about 100.

Gullo said anyone who emails a request to the local government and pays a $17 “stamp fee” can take as many goats as they wish, as long as they transport them off the island within 15 days of approval.

  • ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ 帝OPMA
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    9 months ago

    I don’t imagine catching goats is that difficult - some variety if net would do. It’s the transportation of your goats that might be tricky.

    • PyroNeurosis@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      9 months ago

      Oh boy, I’m about to ship everyone a bunch of goats. Or no goats. I’ve never tried to ship a wild goat, so who can say how that’d go.

    • frickineh@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      But I want the goats to love me. I was leaning more toward bribery. Then they can come live at my house and I’ll never have to mow the lawn again. I see no flaws in this plan whatsoever.

      • ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ 帝OPMA
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        9 months ago

        OK, you get a big truck and throw some lettuce in the back - if there are that many goats some will wander in.