SOUTHINGTON, Conn. -- A Southington man who has been keeping goats on his property for years was told by the town that the goats have to go.

Southington zoning regulations state that an owner of farm animals needs at least 3 acres of land.

Lifelong Southington resident Dan True owns less than one acre.

When True was growing up, the neighborhood he lives on was a working farm.

Last month, True was served with a cease and desist order from the zoning commission that stated that his property did not meet the minimum for keeping farm animals. He was told the animals would have to go. He asked for and received an extension until the end of November.

True said, “I don’t know what to do. Two of them are pregnant. Where do I take them? Who’s going to take them? Is there a shelter for goats?”

True said there have never been any complaints about the animals. In fact, his neighbors often stop by to feed them and have conversations with him.

Neighbor Steve Clark said, “I think it’s crazy that they want to get rid of these goats. They’re not hurting anybody. They are entertainment for the kids and special needs people that do come by. I just don’t like the idea that they want to get rid of these.”

True said, “This is all I’ve known my whole life. Where do I go from here? Do I move out of state?”

The zoning department said it has been dealing with True and his goats since 2003 and if they make the exception for him, they would have to make the exception for everyone else.

True said he will go to the zoning board of appeals and ask for a special exemption.