Goat owner battles L.A. Animal Services for his pets

Dael Wilcox, a goat owner, faced legal challenges after Los Angeles Animal Services seized two of his goats, Beatrice and Benito, due to complaints from neighbors and his landlady. The incident occurred when Animal Services officers reported that the goats were untethered and lacked water or shade on a hot day. Wilcox denied these claims, asserting that his goats were properly cared for. The situation escalated when he attempted to retrieve his goats from the shelter, leading to a confrontation with an officer and resulting in significant damage to the shelter's door. Wilcox's love for animals began in his childhood, and he has been using goats for his business, Goatscaping L.A., which involves bringing them from Riverside to Los Angeles. However, his neighbors have expressed concerns about the goats causing disturbances, prompting one neighbor to file for a restraining order against him. The court denied this request, but the ongoing tensions highlight the challenges of keeping livestock in an urban environment. The seizure of the goats led to a flurry of legal actions as Wilcox sought to reclaim his animals before they could be adopted out by the city. His aggressive behavior during the impoundment attempt raised further issues with law enforcement, complicating his efforts to resolve the situation amicably. Ultimately, the case underscores the complexities of urban animal ownership, where the love for animals can clash with community concerns and legal regulations. Wilcox's battle with Animal Services reflects broader issues regarding animal rights, property ownership, and neighborhood relations in densely populated areas.