The goats in Alicudi are part of the landscape and history of the Aeolian island after their introduction by some farmers. But the animals that have managed to escape and settle in the upper and less populated part of the island have become hundreds over the years, while the inhabitants are one hundred. For tourists who climb the volcanic paths, the encounter with these herbivores causes joy and triggers the lenses of cell phones and cameras, but for residents the number of goats is too high: they ruin the dry stone walls, they slip into houses, they eat the plants . For this reason the municipal administration of Lipari has issued a notice for the "free disposal of goats". There are 600 herbivores available to farmers who could send a request to obtain up to fifty. The ban expired on April 10th. The questions received from breeders, but not only, in response to the notice were 25 for a total number of 1900 animals. Many more than available.
The regional department of rural and territorial development announced today that it will entrust to a specialized company "the capture and construction of special fences in already identified areas of the island to contain the livestock which, after health checks by the ASP veterinary service, will be donated to the breeders who requested it by participating in the public tender".
«The Region is implementing a rapid response to help the inhabitants of Alicudi, one of the most beautiful islands in Sicily. The disproportionate number of wild goats on the island - says the regional councilor for Agriculture, Luca Sammartino - is creating quite a few problems for people's safety, not to mention the damage caused daily such as the damage to paths and dry stone walls. The protection of the territory and respect for the environment are the guidelines along which we are moving to resolve these problems to protect the production and citizens".