Animal Control and City Ordinance Advice Needed PLEASE!!!

[jhatfield]

I am in trouble with with animal control in my city. They said I had to get rid of my pet birds... just after I constructed an beautiful coop. Any ideas on how to go in front of the planning committee? I am planning to attend the open Commissioners Meeting Sept. 1st.

 

[cassie]

First thing you need to do is get a copy of the ordinance they are citing to make you get rid of your chickens. What an official says the law is and what the law actually is, is very often not the same.

 

[codybird]

Listen to Cassie.

 

[jhatfield]

here is the ordinance

Barnyard Animals. Sheep,goats,cattle,poultry,swine,mules,donkeys,and any other animal typically raised for food or kept for work purposes on a farm, except that the phrase shall not include horses.

 

[agnes_day]

pffff, tell them they arent barnyard animals, they are pets.

what a bunch of jerks!

 

[jhatfield]

Yes, they are jerks. They have changed my meeting to Aug. 10th. I only have a couple of days to get my plan together.

 

[Crusty McPottydoodle]

Is there anything that says you can't have exotic birds?

Until the by-laws are officially changed here in Vancouver (where I can keep up to a dozen exotic birds, including ostriches if you can believe it!), I have 2 Bolivian Jumping Gallus.

You should see my girls jump for spaghetti.

Anybody complains and I will let them know that I am off to pick up a dozen peacocks. They'll be begging for me to bring back my nice quiet Bolivian Jumping Gallus.

Cheryl

 

[jhatfield]

Thank you, How should I present my case?

 

[allison finch]

Unfortunately, even though I terribly disagree with that ordinance, it is very clear and specific. I don't see any way around it...right now. I would find some country friend who can harbor your birds, for the time being. THEN, start a fight! Petitions and attendance to Town Council meetings are in order. Start a grass roots movement to have that ordinance changed. Here in NC it has been done all over. The capitol, Raleigh now allows chickens in town. So does Durham and Chapel Hill (my home). The town of Carey in in the process of a fight over a change. They have formed a lobby and have produced petitions. It can be done.

Continuing to keep your birds, under these circumstances, may only serve to alienate the very councilmen/women you need for support. And, it will force police to enforce a law they, probably, would rather not have to deal with. It may also become costly.

Good luck!!
Wish there was a better way.

 

[jhatfield]

I really appreciate the advice. I'm not sure that there is a following in my town to want to change the law. I think I am a lone- chicken lover. I can't bare the thought of giving up my lovely birds. I've hatched them and have been the only momma they have ever known.