(Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Goat walks bring joy to people at Police Point Park

Jul 4, 2021 | 9:23 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – If you have taken a walk along Police Point Park lately, or have been lucky enough to take part in the interpretive centre’s goat walks, you have likely encountered the herd. Some big, others just babies.

Their presence has become a spectacle for those passing by. But while they are entertaining to watch, the goats are actually here for a very important task.

“They are out in Police Point Park eating the invasive plant species that we have, specifically focusing on leafy spurge,” said park interpreter Ian Langill, who noted the goats also gnaw on Canada thistle and other invasive plants.

Starting early in the morning, some 180 female goats are released in the park, each one ready to eat and explore. The goats are separated by gender to prevent breeding.

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Helping to herd them along is goat herder Trent Cahoon and his four-year-old border collie Chance.

“He will run in semi-circles, with spoken commands,” Cahoon said.

Chance makes sure all the goats, including the little ones, don’t get left behind. And when the time is right to switch locations, Chance ensures the entire herd gets moving – just one of many entertaining moments for all the spectators.

“The goats are really cool. I like them,” said Drake Brost

“They are amazing,” said Mila Schaitel.

The project came to the city as a pilot project last year some of the younger spectators, were pleased to see some of their favourite familiar faces back once again this year.

“His name is Spikenut and I met him last year and he had a wound on his neck right here, and now it is healed, and he is my favourite goat,” said Piper Schaitel.

Goat walks took place at Police Point Park June 29-July 4.