Justice For Abused And Exploited Goats

A California judge ordered two businessmen to stand trial on animal neglect charges after dozens of their brush-clearing goats were found dead or malnourished on the company’s pasture.

The goats were owned by a family operated grazing company called Goats R Us. Their website says, “Our livestock are utilized for fuel mitigation and star thistle eradication,” which basically means the goats are released on commercial property and around private homes in order to eat their way through overgrown vegetation – like lawnmowers.

Egon Oyarzun who owns Goats R Us and a company herder Wilfredo Felix were arrested by Oakland police after animal control officers found 10 dead Pygmy goats in a courtyard of an old naval hospital where the company housed its herd.

The animals ranged in age from older adult goats to babies. All of the goats were in different stages of decomposition, “everything from skeletons to ones that had just recently died,” said Megan Webb, Oakland Animal Services.

Dozens of other goats on the property were malnourished and four goats were sick enough to need immediate veterinary care. The goats included: Angora, Alpine, Spanish, Boer, Pygmy, La Mancha and Nubian breeds.

Their abuse ranged from dehydration, malnourishment, parasites, pneumonia and other diseases.

Webb said in court, “The animals are in real poor condition for one reason or another. We know they weren’t given proper food and water and medical care. It was obvious they needed it and were neglected.”

Egon Oyarzun explained away his responsibility to the animals by telling the judge that he had entrusted the goats to his herders.

Goats R Us has been in existence since 1995. Their website claims the animals are their “buddies” and receive year round veterinary care.

It also declares that special consideration is given to the senior goats in the herd. “Goats R Us has a retirement program for its loyal four footed employees. The goats in our herd are never sold for any reason, and when their ‘golden years’ approach, their scope of work is kept local just outside of our ranch, where they can roam the hills without encumbering the stress of traveling between locations.”

Oyarzun and Felix will be arraigned next week. The trial is sure to uncover why the goats were made to suffer and starve to death and what events occurred in the 15 year-old company that cost the lives of 10 blameless animals.

In my opinion the trial should also serve as a warning about the fine line businesses walk when they take advantage of animals in the name of making a profit.

Creative Commons - Pmarkham

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

pElAgUS h.

3:22AM PDT on Sep 24, 2011

ok, but the problem is the goats are going to be considered as properties not as individuals in this trial.

send a green star

Jaya S.

3:42AM PDT on Mar 31, 2011

For every action there is a reaction. According to the law of karma, if we cause pain and suffering to other living beings, we must endure pain and suffering in return, both individually and collectively. We reap what we sow, in this life and the next, for nature has her own justice. No one can escape the law of karma

Lisa E.

10:00PM PST on Mar 6, 2011

Poor dear creatures starving and suffering a cruel death. What is wrong with us as a species. There is so much injustice done in the world in the name of profit. Done to humans in wars and on to exploitation of labour. But many humans in the world are as helpless as were those helpless creatures. I have seen a good deal of neglected dogs, horses, and goats but somehow our hearts go out to exploited animals and children because they are so helpless. This was terrible but only one small example of the cruelties man perpetrates upon others either because he just doesn't care or cares more for and is so obsessed by cash and profit. Justice is in short supply for all God's creatures. I've raised beautiful purebred goats, horses, and dogs. Such beautiful creatures all with such pure and beautiful spirits. When will we ever learn to live in harmony with our fellow creatures, our fellow humans. There is enough for all if we could only learn to share the cornucopia instead of forever fighting and scheming for more and more than needed for a comfortable life for all, or just a fair share of the abundance this planet has to offer.

Rachel C.

8:21AM PST on Mar 6, 2011

Goats cannot be used as lawnmowers anyway. Contrary to what people think they are very picky eaters. They are browsers and not grazers. I have seen my herd in 2 ft grass and all they eat are the tops off. Once they walk in it they will not eat it anyway. I have seen goats starve to death with grass around when they were staked out. Now for large properties if they are moved around properly, they can be used along side of sheep. Sheep do the grazing and goats do the browsing..complimenting each other.

Fen D.

9:52AM PST on Mar 4, 2011

It may not have been the same company, but when I first heard of this idea I was elated for our planet, thinking that this would be a less harmful way of cutting the brush and undergrowth than using machinery. It WOULD have worked too, if greed and laziness hadn't gotten in the mix. With proper care, all would have prospered. The land would have been attended to, the animals fed and happy, the landowners happy with the brush gone, and the company owner happy with his income. WHAT a bunch of FOOLS to put it all in jeopardy.

Martha E.

3:20PM PST on Jan 30, 2011

Terribly sad. Starving to death, and dehydration are painful deaths. I agree with the author, that this should be a warning to businesses who walk a fine line when they use animals to make a profit.

Anna G.

9:29AM PST on Dec 14, 2010

that is disgusting!

Past Member .

7:13PM PST on Dec 10, 2010

sounds like the morons already have their stories and who to blame...yep...let's hold the owners "blameless"...at least, that's what they are hoping for.....and the goats "golden years"..right...starvation and death...perhaps the owners want that retirement package too??? despicably evil monsters still exist in this world....

jane r.

7:40PM PST on Dec 9, 2010

Good judge! Disgusting actions!

Elizabeth M.

10:58AM PST on Dec 9, 2010

To say the goats were entrusted to the herders is so pathetic.
It is obvious to me that they were running out of money, and for the life of me I do not understand why they did not contact a shelter or a vet to get advice as to where these goats could be placed. They definitely should get full punishment, and maybe the laws should be stricter.