A Massachusetts couple engaged in a battle to keep their dairy goats since 2006 will be taking their case to a federal judge this month. Alan and Susan Griffin allege that the town has been violating their civil rights and discriminating against them, and they are seeking to block the town from removing their goats, plus $2 million in damages including compensation for mental anguish and emotional problems.

Both Griffin and his wife are disabled, and Susan’s irritable bowel syndrome is actually the reason the couple keeps goats. She cannot drink cow’s milk, but the raw goat milk lessens her symptoms. At the time the town first tried to force them to get rid of their goats, the couple had 3 adult goats and 2 kids on their acre property, the back half of which is zoned for agriculture.

Neighbors, however, complained that the goats smelled and attracted flies, and that that robbed them of their right to enjoy their own properties. This prompted city officials to argue that the Griffins should be banned from keeping goats on their property because only the back half is zoned for agriculture. This means that animals must cross residential land when entering or leaving the property.

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