Send this page to someone via email

FAIR HAVEN, Vt. — The new honorary mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont — a three-year-old goat named Lincoln — was officially sworn into office this week.

Lincoln was dressed in a sash reading “Mayor” for the Tuesday ceremony at the Fair Haven town offices. Town Clerk Suzanne Dechame and the select board were present to deliver the oath of office.

READ MORE: Man and his dog jump into frozen pond to rescue 2 dogs fallen through ice

Lincoln, a Nubian goat, was recently elected “Pet Mayor” on town meeting day. (/The Rutland Herald via AP)

Fair Haven, a town of about 2,500 along the border with New York just west of Rutland, does not have an actual mayor.

Story continues below advertisement

Town Manager Joseph Gunter says the honorary pet mayor idea was conceived as a fundraiser for a playground, but it turned into a civics lesson for kids.

On the way out of the offices, the honorary mayor defecated on the floor — leaving cleanup to the police chief and other attendees. Tweet This

READ MORE: Massive cow named Knickers has been deemed too large to eat

Sally Stanton, right, holds her grandson Murphy Drzewianowski as he feeds Lincoln the goat in Fair Haven, Vt. The three-year-old Nubian goat is poised to become the first honorary pet mayor of the small Vermont town of Fair Haven.

WATCH BELOW: Man and his dog jump into frozen pond to rescue 2 dogs fallen through ice

0:59 Man and his dog jump into frozen pond to rescue 2 dogs fallen through ice Man and his dog jump into frozen pond to rescue 2 dogs fallen through ice