LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Goats are not a common sight outside a library, but for dozens of people gathered at the Bon Air Library, they played a key role in a hands-on lesson about where clothing fibers come from and why those lessons may soon be at risk.
Attendees met Betty and Boon, two goats used to help educate the community about fibers, including how materials such as cashmere are collected and turned into fabric.
“We were interested in fiber, it’s just like a cool thing,” said attendee Apryll Clark. “We happened to see it on Facebook and thought we would come out and see what it was about. We don’t know anything about it.”
Events like this could be threatened after the Louisville Metro Council passed an ordinance in October requiring animals such as goats, ponies, and miniature horses to be kept on at least a half-acre of land.
Briana Frederick, a weaver and owner of Bri Weaves, uses fiber from her goats to create clothing and teach the public about fiber arts. She said the ordinance caught her off guard after a friend was cited under the new rule in December.
“There was no notification and there was no public comment or input about this,” Frederick said.
She added that even some council members appeared unaware of the change.
“It turns out that none of Metro Council knew about this change even though they voted it in,” she said.
After learning about the ordinance, several attendees said the language should be revised to protect educational and community-based demonstrations.
“It doesn’t need to be any more complicated than it has to be,” said attendee Kathy Ath. “Just leave it as is if it’s easier for people.”
Frederick said she hopes changes will be made so she can continue educating others about fiber production and animal care.
“I want to keep being able to do this,” she said. “My education is telling other people about what I do so that they could consider doing it or a version of it.”
She also stressed the positive role her animals play in the community.
“I love how much joy they bring to people,” Frederick said. “They’re a positive impact on the community and the land. They’re not harming anything in any way.”
Metro Council members are expected to hear public concerns at a town hall meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 26 at the South Central Branch Library, where potential changes to the ordinance language may be discussed.
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