"Under bills before the House and Senate, goats would finally get the respect Hendrickson said is long overdue. And goat owners could be assured that thieves would face harsher penalties for stealing the animals, which can range in value from $100 to $16,000.

"For years and years, goats have always been the brunt of jokes," said Hendrickson, who has nearly 40 goats on her farm. "They're not a $5 tin-can eating animal anymore."

In today's Seattle Times. So there.