Tiny goat tests Wyoming's values of freedom and small government

In Powell, Wyoming, a Nigerian pygmy goat named Porsche Lane was temporarily barred under local rules after an anonymous complaint, and a January settlement allowed her to return with a five-year permit.

A tiny Nigerian pygmy teacup goat named Porsche Lane became the focus of a local dispute in Powell, Wyoming. Her owner, Venus Bontadelli, keeps Porsche as a house pet and faced an enforcement action after an anonymous complaint. The Pacific Legal Foundation later challenged the city's handling of the case, and the matter was settled in January so Porsche could return. City officials are now reviewing pet rules in other municipalities as they weigh possible changes. Key facts: - Porsche Lane is a 30-pound Nigerian pygmy teacup dwarf goat kept indoors by owner Venus Bontadelli. - An anonymous complaint led a police visit and a notice that goats were not allowed in that part of Powell. - The Pacific Legal Foundation offered free legal representation and argued the city denied due process; the city settled in January and Porsche returned. - As part of the settlement, Porsche has a five-year permit, while the city researches how other places regulate exotic pets. - Officials are looking at examples like Midvale, Utah, which requires pygmy goats to be kept in pairs and specifies shelter size, and some local residents who keep snakes and other animals have followed the case closely. Summary: The case highlighted tensions between local animal regulations and residents who keep unconventional pets, and it attracted national attention when an outside legal group intervened. Powell city leaders are studying rules used elsewhere and have not announced a final policy change, so the next steps are undetermined at this time.