× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

PORTSMOUTH — The city of Portsmouth has ended a program to trim grass at a landfill using 10 goats and 10 sheep after many of the animals likely died.

Sixteen goats and sheep have vanished from the Craney Island landfill in Portsmouth, The Virginian-Pilot reported Friday. City officials said they were likely killed by coyotes or other wildlife.

Portsmouth brought in the animals three years ago, spending $10,000 on the project. The plan was to avoid having to pay for a specialty lawnmower and dedicate staff to maintaining the field’s hilly terrain.

Only two nanny goats, named Thelma and Louise, remain. The landfill supervisor now watches over them, making sure they have food, water and shelter.