Alison Fontan, 32, raises mini-goats, the pet “toy goats”, in the Bordeaux region. Active on social networks, the one who defines herself as “goatfluenceuse” is followed by more than 350,000 subscribers on TikTok. In his videos, little goats with blue eyes and soft coats bleat in a field. Their touching cries capture the attention of Internet users. The demand for these animals, which measure between 30 and 50 centimeters at the withers, is overflowing its order book, which is full for the next two years. The price depends on the size, color and rarity of the mini goat.
“My goats are not pain au chocolat”, she assures on her website. Concerned about the well-being of her animals, she delivers them herself to her customers to ensure that they end up in the right hands. “One day, a client lied to me, I realized that he lived with a mini-goat in a Parisian apartment. » To prevent “compulsive purchases”, it raises awareness among people about the responsibility that comes with acquiring one of these animals.
“Okay, I gave in, I wanted a horse, then a dog, so here it is… where we are. ” In a video posted on TikTok, viewed more than 6.7 million times, actor Pierre Niney, crouching in the grounds of his country house, announces that he has adopted a miniature donkey. He adds : “In forty-eight hours he’s sleeping in my room, I think. »
“Reserved before even being born”
This trend has not escaped the attention of Anthony Ré, a singer who converted to breeding miniature animals in the Dordogne. “The videos of baby cows [“bébés vaches”] tours in the United States have boosted the demand for miniature animals in France. I get a lot of calls. But also twisted messages like “How much is the bug?” » Alongside his sales work, this farmer’s son raises several species of small animals. He selects Dexter Short Legs, black cows that measure 80 centimeters at the withers. The female is sold for 1,000 euros, the male for 500 euros. “For two years, they have been reserved before they are even born. » Its clientele is made up of educational farms, animal parks and individuals. However, supply is not in line with demand. “There are very few who make miniature cows in Franceobserves the breeder. I do it because I love these animals, I like working with colors, finding breeds… But it doesn’t make any money. »
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