'We can't get rid of them': Small town is overrun by feral goats destroying vineyards and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage
A small town has been invaded by feral goats causing drastic financial damage
Wild goats have stripped the vegetation off private properties of local residents
Residents are responsible for killing wild goats and pests under the state lawA small town has been invaded by feral goats causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.
The wild goats have overrun national parks, vineyards and properties in Castambul, in the Adelaide Hills, and are proving a nuisance to residents.
The out-of-control goats have trampled and eaten native vegetation, stripped fruits off vineyards until they're bare, and are spreading weeds and causing erosion.
Residents are struggling to get rid of the feral animals destroying vegetation on their properties.
'They breed like wildfire,' Castambul resident Debbie Brenton told Today Tonight
'No matter what you try to do to get rid of them, it doesn't seem to be making any impact,' she said.
A local vineyard known to produce Australia's greatest sparkling wine is suffering from the goat plague, ruining $10,000 worth of Chardonnay.
Under South Australian Law, the National Resources Management Act 2004 states land owners are responsible for controlling feral pests such as goats, foxes and deer.
Land owners must shoot and trap pests in order to avoid drastic environmental and financial impact. Mount Lofty Ranges National Resource Director Brenton Gear said the eradication of feral goats would be a hard task for residents.
'It's the most difficult thing to do for a pest that's established,' he said.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6191751/Small-town-overrun-feral-goats-... Rural landowners have a legal responsibility to kill feral pests, a gun is the most effective tool for this job.