ANGRY Bere Ferrers residents and Allotment Association members are backing a 79-year-old ex-Desert Rat in his attempts to keep two goats on his allotment.
Feeling in the village has run high in support of the goats, with virtually 100 % support, and a petition has been organised to request that they be allowed to stay.
A local parish councillor originally raised the matter of the goats with the council, which resulted in their presence being called into question by some of its members.
One of the goats has been on the allotment for some time, and more recently a second goat was added.
Owner Jim Ember said he wished to thank everyone for their overwhelming support.
'The goats keep the brambles down and save me having to cut back the undergrowth,' he said.
Mr Ember said the first goat was a rescue goat which was due to be put down because its owner had had an accident and could not look after it any longer. The second goat was on loan from someone in Bere Alston.
Borough councillor Christine Grills said she could not understand why some parish councillors were against the goats being there.
Cllr Grills said: 'I haven't heard anyone complain about the goats. They must be contented animals, because if goats aren't contented they will find a way out.
'They are keeping the area clean and keeping the weeds down. People have been in touch with DEFRA, who have no problem provided the goats are registered — which they are. I can see no logical reason why they shouldn't be there.'
The matter was brought up at the council's annual meeting at the end of March, and a vote was taken which resulted in a majority for the goats being allowed on the allotments.
But an amendment was subsequently proposed that they only be allowed to stay until the rules had been looked into, and this was then passed.
The matter is due to be resolved at next Tuesday's parish council meeting.