Woman’s pet goat can return home after settlement with City

Powell, Wyoming; January 14, 2026: A Wyoming woman can bring her pet goat home after the City agreed to settle a federal lawsuit she brought in November. Venus Bontadelli sued the City of Powell, Wyoming, after the City denied her application for an “exotic pet permit” to keep her pet goat, named Porsche Lane, at her home within city limits. Her lawsuit challenged the City’s actions as a violation of her right to due process.

“We are pleased to have come to an agreement with the City allowing Porsche Lane to come home, and we look forward to celebrating this with Ms. Bontadelli,” said Austin Waisanen, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, which represents Bontadelli free of charge.

Venus Bontadelli filed a lawsuit against the City of Powell in November 2025, asking the court to overturn the City’s denial of her application for a permit to keep her pet goat, under federal civil rights laws. Her lawsuit argued that a City ordinance violates the Constitution’s Due Process Clause by requiring residents to seek special permission to keep certain animals while failing to explain what an applicant must do to qualify for approval.

Under the upcoming settlement, the City has agreed to issue Ms. Bontadelli a permit to keep Porsche Lane.

The parties filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit with the court in early January. The settlement agreement will go before the city council for approval during its January meeting. If the council approves, the case will formally conclude.

Pacific Legal Foundation represents Ms. Bontadelli at no cost. The case is Bontadelli v. City of Powell.