UPDATE: In a shocking ruling, Franconia Township’s zoning board has ordered the eviction of Tommy and Bam-Bam, a pair of beloved goats that have lived on Ken Schumann’s property for over a decade. The decision was made on December 4, 2023, leaving the elderly goats, aged 15 and 10, facing an uncertain future.
Schumann has kept goats since 2000 and insists that he has never been warned about any zoning violations until this past spring. The township’s code prohibits livestock on properties smaller than three acres, yet Schumann claims officials inspected his one-third-acre property multiple times without complaint. Now, he faces the daunting prospect of rehoming his goats or continuing a legal battle.
The township’s action follows complaints from neighbors, reportedly concerning the goats escaping and causing minor disturbances. Schumann acknowledges these incidents but argues that the goats have not posed a real threat. With a legal appeal costing him $1,800, he is now contemplating a GoFundMe campaign to cover potential legal expenses.
“It’s not like I’m asking to change the zoning laws,” Schumann stated. “I’m simply asking for a variance to let them live their life out here.” The urgency of this matter is underscored by a growing online petition, which has garnered over 1,600 signatures from locals advocating for the goats’ right to stay. One supporter emphasized, “They make our day. They are harmless.”
For Schumann and his wife, Kathleen, both retired and living on a fixed income, the emotional toll is significant. They view Tommy, a retired therapy goat, and Bam-Bam not merely as livestock but as cherished family members. Schumann expressed concern that rehoming them could lead to heartbreak for the animals, who have known only his care.
The situation highlights a broader trend in Pennsylvania, where goat ownership is on the rise, as noted by Austin Brown, a small ruminant extension associate at Penn State University. “There’s definitely an increasing trend to own them,” he stated, emphasizing that goats require proper management plans for feeding and waste.
As the Schumanns weigh their options, the community’s support continues to swell. Local residents have rallied around this cause, creating a poignant reminder of the bond between humans and animals. The next steps remain uncertain as Schumann considers his legal options while hoping to keep Tommy and Bam-Bam in the only home they have ever known.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the fate of these beloved goats hangs in the balance.
