Goats prompt suburb to consider revising animal ordinance

ELLISVILLE, Mo. -- A St. Louis suburb is considering whether to revise an animal ordinance after a family requested to keep goats in its backyard.

The Ellisville City Council on Wednesday decided not to immediately force the Munnerlyn family to remove the animals. Council members are expected to take up the issue again Nov. 19.

Amber Munnerlyn says she has kept the two goats since Sept. 1. Her home sits on half an acre, but a city ordinance requires residents with goats to live on at least three acres. Munnerlyn says the goats help her daughter, who suffers from anxiety.

Councilman Matt Pirrello says he won't support a policy change and is worried the animals could bother neighbors.