The mayor of a private Italian island Alicudi overrun by goats has proposed giving away the animals for free to anyone willing to adopt them. The authorities also don't exactly care if you eat them or domesticate them, even though&nbsp;they prefer the latter. But to be able to participate in the giveaway, you need to have a boat to take them off the island and, probably the tougher condition, you'll have to catch them yourselves.

Riccardo Gullo came up with this unusual solution after a recent census revealed that the goat population on the Alicudi island, exceeded six times the island’s year-round human population of 100.

These goats, skilled at passing through Alicudi’s steep cliffs, were once a pleasant part of the island's ecosystem and a tourist attraction alongside its dormant volcano.&nbsp;

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However, their rapid increase in recent years has led them to encroach upon populated areas, causing damage to vegetation, gardens, stone walls, and even entering homes, prompting calls for a resolution.

Alicudi falls under the administration of the island of Lipari. The ‘adopt a goat’ initiative was regarded as the most considerate approach to managing the issue.

"We absolutely oppose the idea of culling the animals, so we are promoting the idea of giving them away," stated Mayor Gullo.&nbsp;

"Anyone can ask for a goat, regardless of whether they are farmers, and there are no limitations on the number of goats one can adopt,” Gullo added.

"We have already received several inquiries, including from a farmer on Vulcano island interested in taking multiple goats, as he produces ricotta cheese," Gullo added.&nbsp;

"The authority prefers to see people attempting to domesticate the animals rather than eat them," the mayor stated. However, the authorities will not investigate the intentions of any goat adopters.

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How to adopt the goats

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Individuals interested in adopting up to 50 goats can submit an official request to the community by April 10th, with the possibility of extending the deadline until all goats find homes.</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">To formalise the adoption request, applicants must email the local authority and pay a €16 (approximately $17) stamp fee.</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Once the goats are assigned, the adopter has 15 days to capture and relocate them from the island.</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Although the giveaway will continue until the local goat population is significantly reduced, a few goats will remain to pose with tourists. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

How did the goats reach Alicudi Island?

Notably, goats were primarily introduced to Alicudi two decades ago, reportedly by someone with intentions of breeding them. However, the plan was abandoned, leaving the goats to breed unchecked.&nbsp;

Gloria, proprietor of Golden Cafe Noir at Alicudi’s port said, “The goats roam in groups and cause damage, they are too many in number."&nbsp;

Gloria appreciates the initiative but also questions its feasibility. "How will they transport the goats back down? Perhaps they'll need a helicopter to ferry two or three at a time. It's a commendable proposal, but there's currently no logistical solution,” she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The mayor of a private Italian island Alicudi overrun by goats has proposed giving away the animals for free to anyone willing to adopt them. The authorities also don't exactly care if you eat them or domesticate them, even though they prefer the latter.

The mayor of a private Italian island Alicudi overrun by goats has proposed giving away the animals for free to anyone willing to adopt them. The authorities also don't exactly care if you eat them or domesticate them, even though they prefer the latter. But to be able to participate in the giveaway, you need to have a boat to take them off the island and, probably the tougher condition, you'll have to catch them yourselves. Riccardo Gullo came up with this unusual solution after a recent census revealed that the goat population on the Alicudi island, exceeded six times the island’s year-round human population of 100. These goats, skilled at passing through Alicudi’s steep cliffs, were once a pleasant part of the island's ecosystem and a tourist attraction alongside its dormant volcano. Also read: Is bird flu to blame for thousands of dead penguins in Antarctica? Scientists rush to find out However, their rapid increase in recent years has led them to encroach upon populated areas, causing damage to vegetation, gardens, stone walls, and even entering homes, prompting calls for a resolution. Alicudi falls under the administration of the island of Lipari. The ‘adopt a goat’ initiative was regarded as the most considerate approach to managing the issue. "We absolutely oppose the idea of culling the animals, so we are promoting the idea of giving them away," stated Mayor Gullo. "Anyone can ask for a goat, regardless of whether they are farmers, and there are no limitations on the number of goats one can adopt,” Gullo added. "We have already received several inquiries, including from a farmer on Vulcano island interested in taking multiple goats, as he produces ricotta cheese," Gullo added. "The authority prefers to see people attempting to domesticate the animals rather than eat them," the mayor stated. However, the authorities will not investigate the intentions of any goat adopters. Also read: Back from the dead: Elon Musk's X sparks confusion with surprise return of free blue ticks How to adopt the goats Individuals interested in adopting up to 50 goats can submit an official request to the community by April 10th, with the possibility of extending the deadline until all goats find homes. To formalise the adoption request, applicants must email the local authority and pay a €16 (approximately $17) stamp fee. Once the goats are assigned, the adopter has 15 days to capture and relocate them from the island. Although the giveaway will continue until the local goat population is significantly reduced, a few goats will remain to pose with tourists. How did the goats reach Alicudi Island? Notably, goats were primarily introduced to Alicudi two decades ago, reportedly by someone with intentions of breeding them. However, the plan was abandoned, leaving the goats to breed unchecked. Gloria, proprietor of Golden Cafe Noir at Alicudi’s port said, “The goats roam in groups and cause damage, they are too many in number." Gloria appreciates the initiative but also questions its feasibility. "How will they transport the goats back down? Perhaps they'll need a helicopter to ferry two or three at a time. It's a commendable proposal, but there's currently no logistical solution,” she added. (With inputs from agencies)

An Italian island is giving away goats for free. The catch? Well, you have to catch them

At least seven people have been killed after heavy rains caused a landslide on the Italian island Ischia. Firefighters and coast guards have been deployed for the rescue operations. The government has declared a state of emergency. Pope Francis offers his prayers to the victims.

Pope Francis holds prayer for Ischia landslide victims

A volcano on the Italian island of Stromboli erupted on Wednesday, unleashing a dramatic plume of smoke in its second explosion in less than two months. An explosion of "high intensity" was recorded at 1017 GMT, the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) said.

A volcano on the Italian island of Stromboli erupted on Wednesday, unleashing a dramatic plume of smoke in its second explosion in less than two months. An explosion of "high intensity" was recorded at 1017 GMT, the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) said. No casualties or damages were reported. The Stromboli volcano, located in southern Italy off the Sicilian coast, erupted in July releasing hot trapped magma in a powerful explosion, killing one person and enveloping the popular tourist destination in ash. The president of the Sicily region, Nello Musumeci, said the docking of private boats in the island had been suspended for a few hours on Wednesday as a precaution. "Luckily there were no damages to people and properties," Musumeci said on Facebook.

Italy's Stromboli volcano erupts for second time in two months, no injuries

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An Italian island is giving away goats for free. The catch? Well, you have to catch them

Pope Francis holds prayer for Ischia landslide victims

Italy's Stromboli volcano erupts for second time in two months, no injuries