Among multiple problems:

• The proposal would allow residents to keep neutered male goats. What purpose do neutered male goats serve other than to slaughter? They're not for milk and they're not for procreation.

• There is no limit on the size of an allowable bee hive...and the proposal ordinance would allow up to four of them. Hives can range in size from 25,000 to over 125,000 cells, and the average small hive produces 50 to 75 lbs of honey per year, while 4 large hives can produce 500 lbs per year. It sounds like those seeking to keep bees at this magnitude, ought to be required to have a business license, as well.

• Will the hives be wasp protected? A bee hive can create an associated wasp problem that must be managed...and the wasps likely won't cooperate in remaining on just one property.

• Thus far, enforcement issues haven't been seriously addressed, among them cleanliness and feeding requirements. The proposed ordinance requires daily cleaning of the cages and feeding of animals. How is this going to be enforced?

• The ordinance would require Animal Care Services officers -- already stretched to the limit with their current tasks -- to additionally serve as de facto census takers and surveyors. The last thing Long Beach needs now is to reduce their ability to handle their current animal care tasks.

• What about goat noise? It can range from bleating for some goats to others sounding like a child crying. And yes, goats can be loud.

• The ordinance doesn't limit goats to pygmy goats; they could be large goats, which can be very aggressive.

• What about fines and penalties for violators who violate the ordinance? What about repeat offenders?

• Will the proposed regulations only apply to residences or will Long Beach's community gardens be allowed to become animal farms as well? The proposed regulation only says "parcel of land," apparently not limited to private property.

• If public lands will be used and food distributed in a community fashion, urban animal agriculture isn't efficient for food production. Vegetable production yields considerably more food per unit area than animal raising.

Finally, the public has only had limited opportunity to be heard by a Committee of three Councilmembers, only two of whom voted to advance the measure to Council consideration. The proposed measure creates quality of life issues for people and for animals. The Council should vote it down at this point because it deserves more public discussion than it has received and will create more problems than it will solve.