UPDATE: Franconia Township has just ruled to evict Tommy and Bam-Bam, a pair of cherished pet goats, sparking outrage among residents and their owner, Ken Schumann. After more than a decade of living peacefully on his property, Schumann is fighting back against the township’s zoning board decision announced on December 4, 2023.
The zoning board determined that Schumann’s one-third-acre property violates local laws prohibiting livestock on lots smaller than three acres. Despite multiple visits from township officials over the years, Schumann claims he was never warned about any violations until this spring. The goats, aged 15 and 10, are nearing the end of their lives, and Schumann is pleading for a one-time variance to allow them to live out their days at home.
“I’m simply asking for a variance to let them live their life out here,” Schumann stated. With over 1,600 signatures on an online petition supporting the goats, community members are rallying behind him. One neighbor remarked, “They make our day. They are harmless.”
Schumann has invested $1,800 in legal fees to appeal the decision but faces the tough choice of either rehoming his beloved goats or continuing his legal battle. “They’ve lived there their entire life… I just think they would die of a broken heart,” he lamented.
The township’s letter of eviction stems from complaints about the goats, which have occasionally escaped and defecated on neighboring properties. However, Schumann has taken measures to maintain the goats’ enclosure and insists he has never received complaints until now.
As Franconia Township remains tight-lipped, the community is increasingly vocal about the goats’ importance as emotional support animals. Schumann has even taken the goats to visit local children at a daycare, showcasing their friendly nature and impact on the community.
Meanwhile, the trend of keeping goats as pets is on the rise across Pennsylvania, according to experts. “It takes a whole lot less barriers for entry with these small ruminants than it does with larger farm animals,” noted Austin Brown, a small ruminant extension associate at Penn State University.
As the fight continues, residents are urged to support Schumann’s cause and share their stories about the impact Tommy and Bam-Bam have had on their lives. This urgent situation not only raises questions about zoning laws but also highlights the deep emotional connections that can form between humans and their pets.
What happens next could set a precedent for pet ownership laws in the area, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and engaged.
