Janet Finch-Saunders MS has spoken out at her disappointment that the Welsh Government have made no commitment to assist with the management of the goats in Llandudno. The development comes following scrutiny of the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales by the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy. In response to question by Janet as to whether the Welsh Government would consider providing financial support to assist with the management of wild goats, owned by nobody, living in Llandudno, the Minister stated:
“Conwy County Borough Council manages the population of feral goats on the Great Orme by relocating groups of animals for use in conservation grazing projects. A contraceptive vaccine has also been used for birth control.
This approach to management was developed in partnership with the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), the RSPCA, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and a local veterinary surgeon. Financial support has come from Conwy County Borough Council, Mostyn Estates Ltd, Llandudno Town Council, RSPCA and NRW”.
Commenting on the response, Janet said.
“The Kashmiri goats normally live on the Great Orme but have been occasional visitors in Llandudno. However, since the onset of the pandemic they have become regulars on highstreets and estates across the community.
“Their kidding around and urban adventure really have helped put Llandudno on the map, but concerns remain about the welfare of the wild animals.
“Nobody owns the goats, but many local stakeholders have been proactive in trying to manage the herd. For example, further to concerns raised by residents and me, Conwy County Borough Council did arrange to move goats from Craig-y-Don.
“It is clear to me that despite not owning the animals, the burden of management is falling on the Local Authority. To assist I sought cooperation by the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, Welsh Government.
“The Welsh Government has been clear that they are not going to assist. However, they are responsible for ensuring that Conwy Council is well equipped and funded to handle the situation.
“If provided, funding could help protect and with the management of the goats”.
Janet will continue to work with the Welsh Government and Local Authority to see that a clear solution is found to helping manage the goats for the foreseeable future.
