Healdsburg Adopts Humane Grazing Policy

HEALDSBURG, CA —The Healdsburg City Council unanimously adopted a policy June 5 for the humane treatment of animals in grazing operations for fire prevention — the first policy of its kind in Sonoma County.

"This policy demonstrates the City of Healdsburg's commitment to the humane treatment of animals and our dedication to a sustainable and effective approach to fire management,” said Healdsburg Fire Marshal/Division Chief Lance Macdonald.

Vegetation management is incorporated as part of the City of Healdsburg's fire prevention strategy.

The City was awarded over $900,000 in grants in 2021 from the California Coastal Conservancy to address wildfire risks through fuel management and the creation of defensible space. A key component of this ongoing work was leveraging the natural grazing capabilities of animals to reduce the risk of wildfires.

The newly adopted Healdsburg policy requires grazing contractors to adhere to a set of guidelines including:

• Regular body condition appraisals of all grazing animals by the contractors
• Implementation of a Herd Health Plan designed with the assistance of a licensed veterinarian
• Provision of a well-rounded diet for the animals, including necessary nutrient supplements
• Access to fresh water for livestock at all times

The policy also requires contractors to install signage and electric fencing, and keep the number of animals per herder to a maximum of 400. Sheep and goats must have access to fresh water every 12 hours at the most.

More information about fire fuel management in Healdsburg and the new grazing policy are posted on a city webpage.

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