The agency said the goats, which were rented for $3,000, are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than hiring a team of workers with gasoline-powered weed-whackers, which officials said could cost as much as $7,500, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

Goat-keeper George Gonzales said the goats will be eating weeds on the 2 1/2-acre patch of land for the next week to 10 days and "won't collect a pension or charge for working overtime and won't call in sick."

He said any health issues with the South African Boer goats will be handled by his wife, veterinarian Liz Gonzales.